Too Many a time, from fellow dog owners have I heard the familiar complaint of “My dog’s getting out of control.” Picture this scenario. Your dog tears apart the newspapers, ravages food that’s not meant for him, tries to attack strangers and barks incessantly. Out of control? I think not. Most owners mistakenly believe that these problems are irreversible and not within their control.
While some owners resort to placing their dogs in one of those costly behavioral schools, others decide to give them away. How sad, when the truth is, you CAN actually do something about this yourself!
Nip the Problem in the Bud
Training your dog cannot wait for tomorrow. It is an everyday process. In fact, the best way to train your dog is to do so from Day 1, the day it arrives through your gate as a little puppy. And for the rest, it’s never too late. As you read on, you will realize that the word “training” doesn’t do justice and is a little too harsh even when the fact is that you’re only helping your dog to become a well-balanced, disciplined and loved companion.
Set REALISTIC expectations.
In training (disciplining) your dog, you should first ask yourself some questions. How much do you want him to perform? What is your purpose for training him? Most owners just want well-behaved dogs. Dogs which aren’t aggressive, which don’t tear up the furniture, which responds when told to “sit”, “stand”, etc. Others have specific goals in mind for their dogs. For those who live in private houses, they may want their dogs to ward off burglars or strangers trying to enter without permission. And then there are others, who just expect way too much from their dogs. In remembering your goals for your dog, also remember that dogs aren’t robots. They’re living things as well. Don’t be Hitler. Show Rover some love.
After all, your goal is not to train him to become a no-nonsense Police Dog, but rather, a well-behaved companion. Studies have shown that caged pets tend to be even more aggressive in comparison to those which are not. If you’ve got a dog at home and for some reason, you keep him caged up all the time, you should start re-thinking why you got him in the first place. Anyone will tell you that dogs should be allowed some freedom to roam around in the home they live in.
That way, not only will they feel like they belong, they will also become accustomed to fellow human beings. In time, they will feel less threatened by humans and start learning to look at themselves as “part of the pack”. Show your dog some love. In cultivating a sense of “family” for him, you will feel the love and satisfaction as well. Alas, nothing beats finding a real companion in your pet. For everything that is not allowed, reinforce these things. A dog responds and remembers when spoken to firmly. Use simple one syllable words when training or reprimanding your dog. Words like “No” and “Sit” for example, should be used. Use these words repeatedly and fervently. As it is with Mathematics, practice makes perfect applies here as well. If your dog is disobedient and you would like to reinforce a point, look him in the eye when you speak. Dogs are very aware of body movements and human emotions. Show them that you mean business. Sometimes, demonstrations work as well. If you would like your dog to learn to roll over, say “roll” firmly, push him lightly at his sides and make him roll. Be firm in everything you do with your dog, because he is watching. Some owners are strict with their pooches on one day and relaxed the next day, allowing them to do as they please. This will not work. Not only will this confuse your dog, it will also cause your dog not to listen to you the next time you pass a command. Give him Rewards & Praise!
When your dog successfully carries out a task, reward him with a dog treat or a ball game. Praise him. Coo to him. Caress him. Show him that you’re truly happy when he listens and obeys. Spend Quality time with him.
Lastly, set aside some time during the day to be with your dog. Most of the time, when dogs behave the way they do, they’re just vying for attention and love. =)
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