LIVING WITH DOGS

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Living With A Dog - Dogs and Behaviors




Dogs, like any other pet, have certain types of behaviors that are natural and even desirable. Unfortunately there are also some behaviors that become problematic and even potentially dangerous. Teaching your dog at an early age how to play and interact or socialize with people, pets and children is a great way to prevent any negative behaviors from becoming a problem.
Puppies naturally bite and chew as they hit the stage of teething. For most breeds this happens between about four to five months of age, and the behaviors can continue until they reach a year. Some dogs continue to chew and bite as they get older, usually because bad habits have been allowed to form. Be prepared for teething, chewing and biting, and provide a wide selection of chew toys. Puppies may also not realize that biting and chewing is painful and need to be told, with a loud “Ouch” or “No”, when they bite and cause pain. Their mother and littermates usually teach puppies this, as they will yelp when bitten too hard. Puppies removed from the litter early do not always have this experience and need to be taught by their human caregivers.

When a puppy bites or chews, immediately the “Ouch” or “No” should be said, followed by the substitution of a chew toy. The puppy or dog should then be rewarded with praise for chewing or biting the toy.

Do you recognize one or more of these problems in your dog or puppy?
Many people have found help with the dog training package SitStayFetch. We've looked at a number of the dog training programs available on Internet and this is probably the most complete. It's easy to follow because it has lots of illustrations and step-by-step instructions, and if you need a little more help, you can send an email to the SitStayFetch team (there's one free consultation included in the price). Just in case you're not completely sure, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee, and you can always sign up for their free dog training newsletter before you make up your mind. If you'd like to visit the SitStayFetch site, just click here.



House training

House training a puppy or dog is not necessarily a challenge, nor does it have to be traumatic for the owners (or the dogs). Crate training is a wonderful strategy that is quick, effective, and prevents soiling of the carpet or living area. Immediately after eating or drinking the puppy is placed in the crate. The crate should be the appropriate size, and in an area where the puppy can still see people and not feel punished or isolated. Toys and a soft blanket should be in the crate at all times.

About 15 minutes after eating, take the puppy out of the crate and take them outside and place them in the area you wish them to use as a restroom area. If the puppy does urinate or defecate, praise them and bring them back into the house for some attention. If they do not, return them to the crate for another 5 minutes, and try again. Repeat the process until the dog relieves itself. Follow with lots of praise and attention. Since puppies and dogs are clean and do not like to soil their “den” areas, they will learn control. Be sure to take the puppy or dog out regularly, though, as they can become very stressed if not given proper opportunity to get outside.

Do you want to see our Directory of Doggie Sites?
Visit the Complete Dog Website Directory



Digging

Some breeds, especially the terrier breeds, are dogs that were bred to hunt and dig. If you have a terrier breed, one of the best options is to prepare a digging area in the yard and teach the dog to dig there. Small bones and toys can be hidden in the dirt to teach the dog to dig in this area only. Reward “correct digging” and make other areas less desirable to dig in. Dogs generally don’t enjoy digging in wet areas so filling up holes with water can detract from digging. A fine mesh just under the surface of the ground can also be effective.

Providing lots of toys and exercise is one of the best ways to keep digging dogs busy. Often dogs dig or bite and chew out of boredom, so balls, sticks, and even other dogs to play with during the day is often enough to provide a distraction.

There are many professional trainers and obedience classes that can help dog owners understand the reasons behind some of the more difficult to correct behaviors that their dogs may exhibit. Veterinarians can also give excellent advice and help with understanding your dog’s habits and behaviour