TRAINING TIPS

The dog, often referred to as a poor dumb animal, has proven through the years that it is not a dumb animal, but generally smarter than the person who owns him. This leads owners to seek professional help to correct annoying problems that the owner either has unwittingly caused or has not corrected in the past.

For example, I answer the phone to hear a client telling me that I have to come to his home and fix this "Son of a Blue Eyed Mongrel," or he is going to strangle him. The problem is this: "THAT DOG is digging up all of the flower beds that were just finished." "Did the dog do any of this type of behavior in the past?" "No, he did it only after numerous hours of digging and planting." What has been overlooked is that the dog watched the owner dig and turn over all that fresh dirt with all those new smells of decay, and the dog wants to find out where those smells are coming from. He digs, just as the owner did, and destroys all that work. Would it not have been better to isolate the dog and prevent him from seeing what was going on? Would it not have been better for both dog and owner if the dog had been denied access to that area?

One solution would be to introduce the dog to the area all over again, and, if necessary, place a barrier around the gardens to prevent him from entering them until he understands that this is not his playground. I do not know of any dog that would not be curious of freshly upturned earth. The smells are too tempting, and the curiosity of where they originate are too great. Tall plants are another way for a dog to cool himself. The freshly planted flowers provide shade at the base, and the newly turned earth creates a cooler place to lie. Besides being curious of the smells, the dog will lie right on top of the flowers in an attempt to find a cooler place to relax.

The following are abbreviated versions of our training programs that may be applied to any breed of dog. Some dogs may require a little more training in order to eliminate a certain problem, but do not despair. Help is available, and it is not as costly as you may believe.

There is too much emphasis put on training a puppy the minute it arrives at its new home. Training is important, but formal training does not have to start immediately. Your pup has just been taken from its mother and littermates, and familiar people, surroundings, and smells. Now in a new home, it must readjust to everything around him. Allow the pup two weeks to adjust to his new surroundings and family before beginning any training. He must know you and his new home prior to placing any further burden on him.

Some minor training may be performed, but it must be done slowly and cautiously, and it should not last more than five (5) minutes. Be patient and be gentle. It must be a game with a puppy, or he will tire of it. His attention span at this age is similar to that of a two-year-old child. This is not the time to attempt any formal training. Teaching him to wear a collar and leash, walk on a lead, and sit are appropriate at this time, but must be approached slowly. Most often, house training is the number one priority for a new pup, and it should be handled with patience. Do not expect too much from your pup. He is growing and eating constantly during this period, and he must learn how to regulate his system.(See the section on house training.)

Most puppies are brought to their new homes between six and eight weeks of age. This is an important period in the dog's life. The "Fear Imprint" cycle of all dogs begins around eight weeks of age and lasts for approximately two weeks. During this period, any traumatic experience could have a life long effect on the dog. Because of this critical period, formal training should be postponed. Some pups are a little slower to mature, so I like to extend the beginning of formal training to 16 weeks of age. At this age, he should have received all of his necessary vaccinations to protect him from disease, and his level of attention has increased, making it easier to comprehend the lessons to be taught.

Without any doubt, the most overused word by many owners is the word "NO." It is used in such cases as: "No, don't dig:" "No, get off the sofa." "No, get out of the garbage." "No, don't jump on me." "No, stop barking." The dog hears "No" so much that the word loses any meaning or effectiveness, and he becomes numb to it...Read more

The Shake Can has been referred to by various trainers as a means of correcting your dog from ill behaviors. They will provide you with partial information on the use of the can, and when it fails, you return to them to have the problem corrected. The information that follows provides you with the proper construction and use of a shake can...Read more

Although many consider a puppy that is mouthing to be a playful gesture, the dog or puppy may be testing his ability to gain a higher position in the pack. Once he learns that you will pull away from him when he nips you, he will use that action to keep you at bay. Before this "Game" escalates to the level of the dog growling, barking, and nipping at you, stop him and the "Game." Allowing it to continue will reach a point where you will call a professional for the behavior problem you are having, or, you will want to be rid of him...
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This game has been the cause of many mouthing, chewing, and biting problems because of the manner in which it is played. This game must be played properly to prevent your dog from assuming that he is victorious in this battle and develop the idea that he is "The Boss."....Read more

Some puppies will get carsick the first time they ride. Others will get sick every time they ride. It is a new motion being experienced without having to move their feet. It happens to people, so do not get upset with your dog. All that is happening is his stomach gets upset. ....Read more

The number one problem of House Training stems from those owners that start out by placing newspaper on the floor and directing their dog to use the paper. Placing paper on the floor may make it faster and easier to remove waste from the home, but it is confusing to the dog. In all likelihood, your puppy wasn't raised on newspaper, but utilized the kennel run or grass for his elimination. Then you bring him home, and place him in a room covered with paper. First he has to adjust to all the noise the paper makes, and then he has to be guided to use that paper to eliminate. Just about the time he is becoming adjusted to using the paper, the owner decides he wants the dog to use the outdoor facility. ...Read more

The shipping and holding type containers used for transporting dogs via airlines are referred to as crates. They may be made of wire, plastic, or a combination of the two. The crate should be of a size that will allow the dog ease of movement when inside. Ideally, there should be enough room in the crate for the dog to stand comfortably and turn around. The size can be determined by measuring your dog from the ground to the withers (top of shoulder), then add four (4) inches. . ...Read more

This problem results from the dog that was never taught the "Come" command properly. If your dog is running away from you, do not chase after him. Chase is a dog's favorite game, and all that yelling makes him think you are having as much fun as he is. Since they enjoy this game so much, turn the tables on him. Call his name, say all the things you would if you were chasing him, and run away. Your dog will believe you are playing his game, but the roles have been reversed and now he is the one chasing you. When he is within reach of you, grab him, and praise him for coming.
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Chewing, or, "Boy, this feels good on my gums," can drive owners crazy. The problem of chewing is not the puppy's idea of getting even with you. He doesn't have hands, so investigating anything is done with the mouth, plus, he is trying to get relief from those growing, pesky teeth....Read more

Barking is not always a problem. It is a means of voicing excitement, joy, and/or a warning. They cannot speak our language, so they try to communicate using their language. In fact, barking can be used to aid you if you want a dog that will let you know when there is danger or some disturbance about the house. Incessant barking is a problem. ... Read more

Jumping up to greet you is a dog's way of getting your attention. He must be taught that he does not have to jump on you to get your attention. Placing your hands on him to push him away, sends the wrong message. When placing your hands on your dog, you are giving your approval of his actions, and, since you pushed him away with your hands, he will continue the action in an attempt to get that approval. ...Read more

A great many Separation Anxiety problems begin at the puppy stage and advance throughout the adolescent years and into adulthood. Owners think they are doing what is right, but they are actually creating this problem.
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This is your starting point or foundation block on which to build. When you are training your dog, you will have him on your left side and using your left hand to make the majority of the corrections... Read more

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