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Change Your Thinking to Change Your Dog's Behavior
Bad Behavior is only a Game. I recently changed the way I
think about training my dog. I have one of those high spirited
dominate alpha males who instinctively thinks he is the leader
of the pack and is always testing my authority. I often...
Crate Training For Your Puppy
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best step in
his life. It makes all the other steps in his training go so
much smoother, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior
wall. Establishing you as the Alpha member of his...
Get 100% of People to See 100% of Your Pet Products
Over the last few weeks, I have visited pet stores in the USA, Europe and Australasia. Some of these stores were keen to ensure I was exposed to all the products they had on offer, whilst others hid products from view. The old adage is that if you...
How To Buy The Right Dog Food For Your Pit Bull Terrier
Knowing exactly which dog food to buy for your Pit Bull terrier can be confusing. There are countless options available when you go to the store and many of them are very unhealthy choices. Dog food is offered in packets, cans, or large bags. Dog...
Perfect Gifts for the Dog Lover
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to give a special gift that any dog owner will enjoy? You're in luck! You can choose the perfect dog lover gift from the huge selection that's available. Just about any type of product is available as a...
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Dealing with problem puppy behaviors
Everyone who owns a puppy or dog will eventually have to deal
with and correct less than desirable behaviors on the part of
their companion animal. There are a number of behaviors that
should be nipped in the bud, including:
Jumping up on people This is one of those behaviors that many
owners inadvertently encourage in their animals, since jumping
up, wagging his tail and the like can be adorable in a young
puppy. When that puppy is older, larger and heavier, however,
this jumping up behavior ceases to be cute and begins to become
annoying and even dangerous.
A large, heavy dog jumping up on people can be dangerous to
young children and even to some adults, since a large, 100 pound
plus dog can easily knock down a child or small adult. Since you
as the owner are responsible for the behavior of your dog, it is
important to nip this problem behavior in the bud.
The best time to do that, of course, is when the puppy is still
small and easy to handle. When the puppy jumps up on you or
someone else, gently place the puppy's feet back on the floor.
When the dog remains standing there, be sure to praise it
extensively.
It is also important to give the puppy an alternative to jumping
up. Puppies jump up on people to express their enthusiasm, so it
is important to redirect this energy in a more socially
acceptable direction. Try teaching the puppy to present his paw
instead of jumping up.
When teaching the puppy to not jump up on people, it is
important to be consistent. Consistency is important in any
training program, and all members of the family must understand
that the puppy is not permitted to jump on them.
Pulling, charging and tugging on the lead One problem you
definitely
want to nip in the bud is this one. It is important
that the puppy learn to respect the collar and leash now, when
he is still small and light enough to handle. Teaching this
lesson to a 10 pound puppy will be much easier than teaching the
same lesson to a 150 pound dog.
Using a good strong body harness or head collar can be a big
help when training a puppy not to pull, or to retrain a dog that
has already learned to pull on the leash. When first fitting a
harness, it is important to allow the puppy to walk around
wearing it, so that he can get used to wearing it. The first
thing your puppy must learn, and the basis of all subsequent
training, is teaching your dog to heel. Teaching your dog to
walk quietly at your side on a loose lead is the basis of all
dog training, and until your puppy has mastered this vital skill
he will be unable to move onto more advanced training. When
walking with a puppy on a leash, it is important to always keep
slack in the leash. If the puppy begins to pull on the leash,
the handler should quickly change directions. The puppy will
then find itself lagging behind instead of forging ahead. The
least will be loose except for the split second it takes to
change directions. It is important for the handler to use a
quick tug of the leash, followed by an immediate loosening, when
teaching this lesson. When teaching the puppy to walk properly,
it is important to never allow the puppy to pull you around, or
to forge ahead on the leash. Allowing the puppy to pull you
around will teach him exactly the wrong lesson.
About the author:
Tony Robinson is an international author and dog lover. His
website http://www.dogtraining4u.com contains valuable insights
into the life of our canine friends.
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