TABLE OF CONTENTS
Man's Best Friend .....................................................................................................3 Understanding Dogs ................................................................................................ 8 Special Training and Handling of Puppies............................................................. 15 Taking Care of Your Dog's Physical Needs ............................................................ 20 Understanding Dog Food Ingredients................................................................... 26 Some General Tips on Training Your Dog ............................................................ 34 Training Comes From the Alpha Dog - You! ......................................................... 38 Housetraining Your Dog ........................................................................................ 43 Behavior Training ................................................................................................... 47 Crate Training ......................................................................................................... 51 Special Issues With Dog Care and Training ...........................................................54 Dog Training Secrets the Experts Never Talk About ............................................ 60
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MAN'S BEST FRIEND
It might be a bit presumptuous to say that a dog is man's best friend; for some men that title might be held by his pickup truck, his girlfriend, or maybe even his mother. But in truth there's a reason why dogs have such high esteem in the eyes of those that own them. As a matter of fact, dogs have been used by men and women throughout the ages, not just as pets but also as true helpers in the household. From farms to animal ranches to those that have hunted for a living, dogs have been a big part of mankind's survival. To really appreciate why so many choose dogs as pets and why they're so valued by many, let's take a look at some of the common traits of many dogs that make them so prized. This might not help anyone that isn't a true fan of the animal, but it can demonstrate how those who love dogs aren't misplaced in their devotion.
DOGS AS HUNTERS
Most dogs have a very heightened sense of smell and therefore can track down just about anything or everything that has a scent. Humans have been using dogs for centuries during hunting expeditions as they are able to flush out ferrets or deer or rabbits or whatever other animal they're hunting. While some today may not appreciate this particular skill, keep in mind that for centuries people that didn't hunt didn't survive. Many people and cultures would farm and fish and find various food items that way, but many cultures also relied on hunting for their very existence. Without dogs to help them find groups of animals and to flush them out, some cultures would no doubt have had a much more difficult time just surviving. Even today those that are serious hunters, whether for sport or for food, typically bring some breed of dog with them. There are many different types of hounds that are bred specifically for their abilities to track down an animal and obey the owner's commands to flush them out.
DOGS AS HERDERS
Have you ever been to a ranch and watched a dog work in harmony with its owner in gathering up the sheep or cattle or other animals? Most dogs have what is called a strong defensive drive, meaning that they protect their owners from harm or danger. This is the drive that comes into play when herding; they are actually acting as a protection by moving the animals back where they belong. 3
This particular trait is very important and useful when it comes to herding and ranching. Dogs not only keep animals in order, they also guide them to where they're supposed to be going. They are quicker and more nimble than men on horses and so can get to straying animals quicker. Many who own ranches or farms of any sort will attest to how important these animals are and how they really could not do their job properly without them.
LOYALTY OF DOGS
How many stories have you heard of dogs that were hundreds of miles from home and somehow managed to make their way back? This isn't just some type of instinct on their part but is part of their loyalty to their owner. Dogs become very attached to those that care for them and have an instinctive need to be with them, just like any other member of the family. When a dog is separated from his or her owner their other physical abilities to hunt and track will help them to find their way back, but it's that attachment that drives them to do so. This loyalty of dogs is also part of what makes them good pets. They can be trained to do what an owner tells them because their loyalty makes them obedient. This is unlike other pets such as cats, who feel much less attachment to their owners at least to the point where they will sit, stay, come, or obey any other command. Loyalty too is part of what makes some breeds good watchdogs. They can be trained to bark at or chase away strangers but won't show this same behavior to their owners because of that loyalty. Some may argue that dogs are usually loyal only because their owner feeds them, but this is only part of the equation. Many dogs can survive on their own but still choose to stay close to home, not just because this is where the food is but because they want to be part of that family dynamic.
TRAINABILITY
Ever tell a cat to "go lay down"? If you did you probably got nothing more than a very bored look in response. The same might be said for trying to direct a gerbil, pet rabbit, or fish. It's not that these animals have no respect for their owners, it's just that they don't understand and respond to commands the way dogs do. The trainability of dogs is one reason that they make such good pets, workers, and parts of the family. Of course you can't have conversations with them but 4
you can teach them rudimentary instructions that make them easier to live with and more useful. They can be sent to another room when company arrives, fetch the newspaper or slippers, and communicate back when they need to go outside and take care of business. This of course is very convenient given a dog's size - a gerbil or hamster can be put in a cage, a rabbit in a hutch, and a cat's litter box hidden away in a far room. But if dogs were not trainable then there is no way they could be domesticated and would be just another type of zoo animal.
DOGS AS FAMILY TODAY
Today dogs are just as valuable to families as they have ever been. While many are still used on farms and in cultures where they hunt for food, other places value them as members of their own family. Dogs are taken on vacation and entire resorts are built around their accommodations. For those that do need to be put in kennels for any reason, these are now more like little hotels for dogs with gourmet treats, planned out play areas, grooming services, and deluxe sleeping accommodations. To many people their dogs are much like children and they care for them about as much as a parent cares for a child. This might be scoffed at by some, but calling into question a true and loyal dog owner's feelings for his or her pet will probably result in nothing but a fierce argument. Caring for dogs has also become a big business these days. Dog food has gone from "all natural" and "organic" varieties to those that call themselves gourmet and deluxe as well. Some foods even rival the dishes you see that are made for humans! Dog massage is also a fast growing business, and those interested in their dog's health can even buy health care coverage for them that is close in benefits and coverage to their own medical insurance. Taking care of your dog properly is a noble concern. While they are still animals, they deserve to be treated properly. It's unfortunate that there is really no legal requirement of classes or education to own a dog, and some owners may have the best of intentions but still not be treating their animal properly. Some treatment is so neglectful and inappropriate that it borders on abusive.
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Certainly you do not want to be one of those owners. You want to make sure that you are taking care of your dog properly, are feeding it properly, and are making all reasonable accommodations you can for its health. On top of which, many owners want to be able to train their dog in a humane and reasonable way as well. The idea of chock collars and smacking the dog on the nose seems horrific to them, and for good reason. At the same time, like children, dogs do sometimes need not just training but discipline as well. There are right and wrong ways of going about these things. There are basic necessities of caring for a dog and appropriate ways of training her as well as inappropriate ways. And this is where this book comes into play. We've interviewed many dog care experts to get tips on feeding, socializing, training, and all other details that will help you to have a happy, friendly, and obedient dog. We'll tell you: How dogs think and why they react the way they do; this means around you as the owner, around children, and strangers as well. A dog's nutritional needs; how they're different from people's needs, how dog food ingredients react in a dog's system, and why different dogs need different food and different feeding schedules. The different and special needs of puppies; this is not just so that you can take care of them appropriately but that you can begin training your puppy from a young age to behave properly and to be happy and content through adulthood. How to care for a dog emotionally. Many take for granted that dogs are thinking and feeling creatures, and they too need emotional assurance and entertainment not just for their overall happiness and contentedness but for their behavior to be appropriate as well. Dogs have become more than just tools on a farm or employees on a ranch; today they are regarded not only for their usefulness and industriousness but for their loyalty and friendship as well. And the best way that humans and owners can appreciate these traits from them is to teach them in a responsible way and care for them appropriately. So if you have a dog or are about to get a dog, then let's not waste any more time. Let's get started! 6
UNDERSTANDING DOGS
Do you know the secret to having a good relationship with anyone, whether it's your boss or girlfriend or husband or mother-in-law? The secret is to understand that person as an individual. When you realize why they're concerned about the things that worry them, or why certain things are important to them, or why they're sensitive to certain topics or treatment, then you have a better idea of how to treat that person in order to get along with him or her. This might sound strange to some people, but understanding how dogs are and "what makes them tick" is going to go a long way toward being able to take care of them properly and being able to train them in an effective way. This doesn't mean that you need to take classes or get a degree in animal psychology or go through that much trouble. A basic understanding of what makes dogs act the way that they do and what they need to be taken care of both physically and emotionally is enough to get you on the right track when it comes to tending them. Of course every dog is different and all breeds are different in their general temperament and needs; we will try to make notes of as many of these differences as we can, but these principles will apply in a general sense to all dogs and breeds.
SOCIALIZATION
While there are some parts of their temperament that are genetically inherited in your dog, there are other parts of socialization that can be trained and taught and that your dog will pick up because of the way she is treated. As an example of this, think of how many people assume that pit bulls are somehow inherently dangerous and vicious. In reality, pit bulls are no more dangerous than any other breed of dog. In the old U.S. television show "The Little Rascals," about a group of young children that played together, the group actually brought along with them one child's pet pit bull for companionship. This TV series was filmed long before pit bull fighting became fashionable, but using a pit bull on the series was perfectly fine because the dog posed no extraordinary threat to the children. Those that started the "sport" of pit bull fighting chose these dogs because of their small and muscular frame, and taught them to be as violent and vicious as they wanted them to be.
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This should just illustrate the point that a lot of how a dog responds to people and other animals around them is going to be something they learn. Some breeds are naturally more aggressive or defensive and others more submissive, but by and large they learn how to behave around others from what they are taught. The aggressiveness can be controlled and contained, and they can learn appropriate situations that need a defense and when this behavior is inappropriate as well. Socialization is taught not just by humans but by other dogs as well. The most dominant dog will become the leader of the pack or the alpha dog and the other dogs around her will follow her lead. For the most part, domesticated dogs recognize their owner as being the truly dominant one or leader and most will be submissive to their owner's commands, following the chain of command after that. There are some factors that affect socialization beyond this. When food supplies are threatened dogs do have a self-serving mechanism that will kick in, or if they perceive a threat to their owner their defensive side will also take over.
LOYALTY
There are many families that can physically and emotionally take care of a dog, right? If you couldn't take care of your own dog, the family down the street could do just as good of a job, right? It's easy for us humans to understand and appreciate this point, but this is something that dogs don't really comprehend. In the wild, dogs are pack animals because it's necessary for survival and conquest. One dog alone cannot do much to fend off a larger predator but a pack of dogs can. They can also work together to bring down their own prey. When one gives birth the entire pack will protect the pups and bring back food to them and the temporarily incapacitated mother. This pack mentality is one reason for a dog's loyalty. To them, the family that has been feeding her and taking care of her for so long is the only one capable of doing so, and if she doesn't return home and stay within the pack then she will face danger outside of it - as far as her mental state goes. There is some controversy over how much emotion goes into a dog's behavior as well. Some dog care experts believe that dogs feel an emotion that we would call love, whereas others feel that their actions are based solely on inborn instinct they take care of their babies because their biology tells them to, and they return to the home where they belong because they are programmed to. 8
The problem with assuming that dogs behave only by instinct is that the more they are treated well, including being played with, groomed, spoken to, and so on, the more they respond in kind. They seem to crave this type of positive attention from their owners, and if they only reacted by instinct then these things would not be necessary! An owner could put out food and water and ignore the dog consistently if they only responded to instinct; studies have shown that dogs that are treated better are more calm and content and well-behaved, so certainly it seems that there is some emotion on their part that drives their actions! TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Don't worry too much about whether or not your dog is actually feeling an emotion that we would call love. She will respond to your positive reinforcement, so give her adequate amounts of praise when she is obedient and don't concern yourself with just how deeply she is interpreting this behavior! You don't need to be a doggy psychologist or a mind reader to realize that dogs respond well to this positive behavior on your part.
INSTINCT
The question of emotion aside, there is a lot of instinct that drives a dog's behavior and this instinct will often take over in any situation, even if it means a dog putting her own life in jeopardy. How so? Protecting food supplies. Not enough dog experts explain to owners how protective dogs get of their own food supplies, and this is just an instinctive response that is not meant to harm. When a dog is part of a family it's very important that children be kept away from it when it's eating and especially away from the food bowl as well. Being fed is a dog's most basic need, and in the wild food supplies are often scarce and need to be fought over when other animals are around. This is one of the secrets of successful dog ownership that far too many owners fail to appreciate. They often allow children and other animals to play around the dog while it's eating and then become angry when the dog nips or growls. It is vital for an owner to respect the dog's instinct in this way and to be sure that other persons in the home respect it as well. A dog should be given a separate and secure area in which to eat; if this is the kitchen then it needs to be off to one side so there is no tripping over the dog while it's eating. Be sure to keep children in the other room and do not take away a dog's dish before it's done with it!
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Protecting babies. Protecting their pups is probably the one big area where instinct will take over even if it means a dog putting her own life in jeopardy. Anything or anyone perceived as a threat will be attacked, and this includes humans around which the dog has been for years. It's unfortunate how many owners show such little respect and regard for this instinct of a dog, handling a puppy before the mother is ready to allow this or even pushing the mother aside to get to them. Sometimes human intervention is necessary as domesticated dogs need food and water brought to them and this includes when they have puppies, but trying to take the puppies or handle them when they're newborn, when they're eating, or when the mother is just showing protective instinct is a mistake that many humans make. Warding off predators and other dangers. Dogs really don't know that the mail carrier is not there to harm you, or that a playful tussle between children is not a real fight meant to hurt someone. They perceive danger in a different way than humans do; humans can reason and judge another's motives much easier than a dog and know when something is meant as a playful gesture versus an actual attack. A dog doesn't reason on things this way. Any combative physical gesture is seen as an attack, so that playful wrestling between children can naturally trigger their instinct to bark or to stand between one child and another protectively. This ability they have to sense what they perceive as danger and their natural reaction to strangers is part of what makes them such good guardians of the home, but owners who misinterpret or fail to respect this are in for problems. A dog does need to know that someone is not a threat, but chastising them for growling or barking is only going to send confusing messages to her. She is acting on instinct and when she is punished for that, this is very detrimental to her emotional state. A better approach is to understand and recognize why a dog is responding the way she is and to help her to understand that there is no real threat. Speaking in a calm and soothing way is best, and allowing the dog to get to know a stranger will also help her to recognize him for next time.
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Protecting itself from harm. Have you ever seen the U.S. television show, "America's Funniest Home Videos"? It's made up of snippets of home movies sent in by viewers where they have caught funny or embarrassing moments. Since these are everyday people filming everyday occurrences, obviously many snippets involve the family pet and something humorous that has happened with it - one such video featured two family dogs attacking a man's new "bunny slippers" as they thought they were really a threat to their owner, another showed a dog marking it's territory by urinating on the family Christmas tree, and so on. While videos like this may be amusing, there are far too many that show families being very rough with their dogs and especially allowing their children to do so as well. For some reason there are people that think it's cute to see children grabbing a dog's fur or tail or ears, and often you'll hear someone chastising the dog when it nips or yelps at the child. Ask yourself, how would you feel if someone came up and grabbed a hunk of your skin or your ears? If they grabbed your neck and tried to carry you that way or drag you from one room to the other? Wouldn't you yelp and perhaps slap their hand away, if not even worse? As a matter of fact, someone that did this to you could no doubt be reported to the police as having assaulted you! Some people unfortunately assume that dogs should just put up with whatever treatment is dished out to them, but dogs have an instinctive reaction to protect themselves from physical harm or danger just like any other creature. Especially when vulnerable areas of the body are threatened such as the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, tail, genitals or anus, will the dog respond with a sharp bark, nip, or growl. This can be true also when children are present as the dog does not recognize them as being harmless and children often have little understanding of how they're hurting a dog by behaving this way. Parents may view the dog as a threat to the child but in reality the dog is reacting to what it perceives as a threat to itself!
THE NEED FOR ACTIVITY
Rarely do you see a pack of dogs in the wild just sitting around doing nothing; if they are, it's only because they've just eaten and are digesting or have been active all day and need their rest. Dogs are active creatures and need freedom of movement and they also need entertainment. In the wild, dogs have an endless variety of circumstances to 11
occupy them. They have other creatures to chase, odors to investigate, and so on. Unfortunately when they're domesticated these things are taken away from them. Many owners fail to recognize this need in their dogs and chastise them for chasing after squirrels or other small animals, or after cars. While humans see this as misbehaving, in reality dogs do these things for the same reasons that humans go for a walk - they need to be active and they need to be occupied. Wanting to protect them from running into traffic and not wanting them to tear up a small animal is certainly appropriate, but this simply means that there needs to be substitute activities for a dog to pursue in order for her to be healthy mentally and emotionally.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR DOG
How can you properly care for and train an animal if you have no understanding of how it thinks and why it reacts the way it does? It's easy for humans and dog owners to forego really understanding their dogs in favor of an easy "do this and then do that" type of instructional manual, and unfortunately there are many dog trainers and so-called experts that will provide anyone with that type of information, but dogs are like people - they have distinct personalities and need to be taken care of in an individual way. For you to make the best decisions about how to train your dog and care for it physically, mentally, and emotionally, you need to take into consideration all these major forces that are driving its actions. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: One common mistake that many owners make is to assume that a dog is misbehaving when in reality it is simply acting how a dog should act or is being guided by its instinct. Before you simply punish a dog or get angry at it, consider if there is another underlying reason for its behavior and then work to correct it gently or reinforce positive behavior rather than simply punish "wrong" behavior. And remember to be aware of how dogs react when they perceive a threat to themselves, to their food supplies and even to their owners. Be sure that nothing is causing your dog to think that their reaction or behavior is warranted.
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SPECIAL TRAINING AND HANDLING OF PUPPIES
As with baby humans, baby dogs need some special handling and training, and this includes situations that you may not even realize as being training. For example, when you take a young child to play with other children you are actually teaching that child socialization or interpersonal skills, even though you may not think of this as a lesson being taught. Puppies are much the same - there are things they need to be taught or trained even if you don't necessarily realize that this is a training session. Let's take a look at some important factors when it comes to a puppy's care and training.
SOCIALIZATION
Much of a dog's temperament is going to be inborn, but much of it can be formed by how well a puppy is taught to socialize with other dogs and how soon it starts learning this lesson. As soon as the vet tells you that it's appropriate, you need to begin introducing your puppy to the outside world and other dogs and people as well. This actually begins with you. It's good to interact regularly with your puppy as much as it's physically safe from the time they're born. The first few days mean just standing nearby as the mother cares for the pups, but within the first week you should be stroking the dogs and calling them by their name. This makes them used to human interaction and touch right away. As they get bigger they can be introduced in a safe and controlled way to others, such as children, the mail carrier, and visitors. Puppies that are very young are still insecure and vulnerable so they need to be respected in who handles them and how, just as you would a newborn baby. They are not toys and while young children may find them irresistible, they need to be monitored carefully so they are not rough with them. When they are strong enough to venture outdoors it may not be a good idea to just let them run free in the yard as they are again still vulnerable. In the wild the mother and other members of the pack keep a careful eye on young pups, but with domesticated dogs you and your family now need to take the place of that pack.
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TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Stay very close to them when they go outside so they do not get hurt on shrubbery or by other animals. It may seem unlikely but puppies can actually be attacked and hurt by animals as small and seemingly harmless as squirrels, rabbits, and even cats. It's also easy for them to wander off or into trouble spots, and since their bond with the family is not completely developed they may not know how to get back home. With other people. Animals need to learn to be comfortable with other humans but this introduction needs to be controlled as well. Invite people over to see the puppy but don't simply pass it around. While the puppy should be allowed to explore and sniff out these new visitors, it can be gently steered away from places it doesn't belong such as purses, coats, and anyone that's not comfortable around the animal. With children. Probably one of the biggest problems families have with puppies is their interaction with children. While it's easy to blame the puppy as being aggressive or misbehaving, remember that animals don't have reasoning ability. They act on instinct and react to certain treatment that is directed their way. Puppies of course need to learn to "play nice" with children but most pet experts will tell you that many problems between puppies and children are caused by improper treatment of the pup at the hands of the child. Toddlers see puppies as toys and grab at them, pull their tails or ears, and so on. Younger children too don't realize how frightening it is for puppies to be picked up roughly; imagine if someone twice your size just grabbed you by your middle and roughly yanked you around the room! This is not just frightening for the puppies but often downright painful. And of course any dog's only recourse for this type of treatment is to nip at what it perceives as being an attacker; in the wild animals nip at each other as warnings that something is unappreciated. Humans often misinterpret these nips as being attacks and chastise the dog rather than teach the children to treat the animals appropriately. On the other hand, dogs do tend to try to assert their dominance over other animals including children. Dogs that are a bit older may try to dominate children by pushing them or even sitting on them! Threatening behavior by dogs should not be tolerated around children, and any that seem aggressive should be separated from them, especially when it comes to helpless infants. 14
Socializing a puppy with children is not very difficult if you start early and do it properly. Young puppies should be treated the same way you would have a child treat a newborn baby. This means no pinching, grabbing, dragging, pulling of the ears, tail or fur, or anything else that you would not allow with a new baby. If the child is big enough, he or she can sit still and have the puppy in his or her lap and pet it very gently, being sure to avoid the eyes or any part of the face. As the dogs get older and can handle more interaction, it's still important for children to understand what is and is not proper treatment of the dog.
HANDLING THE DOG
Dogs typically socialize better with people and other animals if they are cared for and interacted with from an early age. Handling them physically, if done properly, can go a long way toward making your dog gentler, calmer, and more social with people and animals. Brushing the puppy. Having one's coat brushed is very relaxing for dogs if it's done firmly but gently. This can be a daily or weekly routine for the owner once the puppy is old enough and strong enough for this, and should be done with reassuring words so that the dogs enjoys this activity and is not defensive. The type of brush you will use will depend on the length of hair for your particular breed. Long-hair breeds need longer bristles whereas short-hair breeds need shorter and softer bristles. Avoid wire brushes as these can be very uncomfortable, unless your vet has given you specific instructions for this type of brush. Handling their paws. Dog's paws get very sore from all the pressure they put on them constantly, so handling your puppy's paws when they're still growing up is not only soothing for them but will get them used to being handled as well. Handling their face. Older dogs often need their teeth brushed and to have their mouths checked regularly by the vet for good oral health. Typically dogs hate having their face touched for the same reason that most humans do - it's perceived as a threat. 15
One good thing that a puppy owner can do is to get it used to having its face touched by doing this gently as the dog grows up. As you gently stroke the puppy you can move your hands very gently over the front of its mouth and run your thumbs over its teeth, being careful to avoid its eyes and nose.
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF PUPPIES
As with human infants, the nutritional needs and abilities of a puppy are different than that of an adult dog. Their bodies need more of certain nutrients in order to help them grow and develop while their delicate systems need to be respected also. Most dogs remain "puppies" for the first year of life; for larger breeds it may be two years. During this time they need food especially designed for them at this stage. Their need for calcium and fatty acids is increased during this time as their bones and joints are developing. They also need far more protein than adult dogs as their muscles are also growing during this time. What to avoid. As much as you love your puppy and want to spoil or indulge it, feeding it table scraps is a very unhealthy habit. This adds a lot of unnecessary calories to her diet and can lead to her being overweight and even obese, which in turn leads to greater problems later in life. A puppy can also learn to be a very finicky eater, turning up its nose at the healthy dog food you give it in favor of those calorie-packed treats. In addition to weight problems you will then probably also have nutritional deficiencies in your dog as well. Treats are also something that should be given out sparingly, even when training. A dog should never get used to having these items on a daily basis, much like how humans should avoid having junk food every single day. Changing foods is a difficult thing for a puppy to accept; when you do this, add some of the old food in with the new for about two weeks so she can gradually adjust. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Feed your puppy three modest meals per day; your vet can give you an exact amount depending on the breed but puppies are like adult dogs in that they rarely overeat. The danger in giving them more food than this is that they may think you "want" them to eat more and so they'll do it as a way of gaining your approval. 16
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG'S PHYSICAL NEEDS
Food and water is all that an animal needs, right? Oh, if only it were that simple. Many people make the mistake of going way off balance in one direction or the other when it comes to their animal's care. What this means is that some think that since dogs are just dogs, they can be treated as if they were animals in the wild. They're given some food and water and that's it. On the other hand, some people go in the opposite direction and purchase every little luxury items for their pooch, many of which are just wasted on the animal that has no idea and no need for it. To properly take care of your pet you need to understand their very basic needs when it comes to their physical care. Any items you care to purchase for them after that - gourmet dog food, silk sheets for the doggy bed, etc. - is your own personal decision.
FOOD
People may not think much of their brand or type of dog food, reasoning that in the wild dogs ate anything and everything. But if you do give it some thought and try to understand your dog's nutritional and physical needs you're better able to make an informed decision about what to look for when it comes to dog food, treats, and so on. Their age and condition. Dogs are like people in that their nutritional needs change according to their age and their physical condition. Those that are older and more inactive need far fewer calories, whereas younger ones and more active (people and dogs!) need more calories to sustain themselves in a healthy way. This would be appropriate also for those that are considered hard working dogs, such as those on a farm or that have a busy working day for whatever reason.
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Getting complete dog food. There are many brands of dog foods available today that have vitamin supplements added right in; if you choose one of these brands you're not going to need additional vitamins or other drops and supplements. Some wonder if organic dog food is worth the investment and this is a personal decision. While there may be some health benefits to buying organic, typically regular dog foods are not harmful to your dog's health and organic may simply be an unnecessary item for your pet. Dog's nutritional needs. In nature dogs eat mostly meat with some vegetation, mostly when they need to settle their stomachs. When shopping for dog food, look at the list of ingredients. The first ingredient should be meat of some sort. As with food you would buy for your family, you want few fillers and more natural items such as corn, wheat, and so on. You will always have some ingredients added to the mix but the fillers and other byproducts should be at the end of the list of ingredients Table scraps and other treats. One of the problems with feeding your dog table scraps and other treats is that these are usually very calorie dense and can lead to a normal dog's obesity or weight problems. If you make it a habit of feeding your dog table scraps or treats these should make up no more than 10% of her diet, and preferably even less. Treats should be reserved for when you're training your dog or for very special occasions and should not be had on any type of regular basis. When a dog is overweight then table scraps and treats should be eliminated altogether or at least reduced enough so that her weight can reach the normal level. As with humans, excess body weight can cause a lot of health problems for dogs, including arthritis, heart and lung problems, and compromising of the immune system.
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How often they eat. Typically dogs can regulate their own schedule of eating so if you have food out all day they will simply eat when they are hungry, and this is usually twice a day. Of course you don't want food to go to waste so any food leftover at the end of the day should be thrown away. You can of course simply fill their dish once in the morning and then again during the day to make sure you waste less, but food should be readily available to them; there's really no need to watch their portions of regular food. Of course Chihuahuas are going to need less food than German Shepherds and those smaller indoor dogs less than the ones that are outside running around all day. Be aware of how much you're giving them and if the bowl is consistently empty you may need to up the portions. Water. Fresh water should be available to dogs at all times. It also needs to be at room temperature and kept away from very dusty or dirty environments, such as next to the clothes dryer or a furnace vent. It is also absolutely imperative that a dog's water dish be emptied and thoroughly cleaned every single day. Failure to do so will allow mold to build up around the edge of the dish and on top of the water as well.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Even when in the wild dogs find a warm and comfortable place to sleep and enjoy sunshine and a soft spot to curl up in. Smaller and more delicate dogs also need some consideration when it comes to their living conditions as they are typically more sensitive to cold and such elements. All dogs should have their own sleeping bed regardless of breed or size. Curling up on the floor is no more comfortable for them then it is for you. If you don't have a regular doggy bed or cushion for them, use an old thick blanket that you can fold up or scrunch up for them. This is especially important in winter months when the floor gets very cold. Smaller dogs with smaller legs need to have some consideration if you allow them up on the couch or bed. Dog's legs are strong but not unbreakable and a small 19
dog putting all the pressure on the hind legs to get up to these higher surfaces can cause stress fractures and joint damage.
DURING YOUR ABSENCE
Believe it or not, some of the worst abuse of animals occurs when their owners aren't even home. Unfortunately some who work during the day leave their dog unattended in the home or the yard, or worse yet lock them in kennels or cages until they come home. Kennels and cages should be used for dogs only if and when you are traveling or in case of emergencies. Locking a dog in a cage for hours is just like putting a person in a jail cell. This isn't something that should be done on a regular basis for no good reason. Leaving your dog unattended can be acceptable in certain circumstances; they need access to food, water, and their bathroom area and need the freedom to move around as well. If you have a home with a fenced-in backyard and a doggie door they can get in and out of then you may be able to leave them. If you must leave your dog at home inside, hire a dog walker or someone else to take them out for a long stretch of time so they can use the bathroom and stretch their legs. Dogs are not meant to be cooped up all day.
EXERCISING YOUR DOG
Humans and dogs alike need regular exercise in order for them to be healthy; this is not just a matter of keeping one's weight under control, but regular exercise helps dogs in these specific ways as well: Alleviates boredom. A human can sit still and read a book, watch television, or engage in conversation to keep themselves occupied but dogs are not like this. They need to be physically occupied in order to keep boredom at bay. Dog care experts will tell you that boredom in a dog is not just an annoyance, but rather it's something they fight the same way a restless child will - by acting out and sometimes destructively so. Anyone that has left their dog unattended inside the home all day may realize how this happens - virtually everything and anything is completely torn up, from newspapers to furniture to drapes and carpeting. 20
Just like humans, dogs need exercise every single day; unfortunately many owners assume that because they visit the gym just a couple of times per week then they only need to exercise their dog only a few times per week. If you cannot get out and walk your dog every day, it's time to find a kid from the neighborhood or hire a professional dog walker that can get this done for you. Dog's exercise doesn't need to necessarily be at a fancy dog park or such, just some jaunts around the block for an hour or so is a good idea. The body's development. We often think of exercise as just keeping obesity at bay but in reality the benefits are endless, both for humans and dogs. Regular exercise helps to increase blood circulation and this helps to feed muscles and organs. It also works the heart and lungs, making them stronger and healthier. Exercise also regulates the amount of sugar in the blood, helping the body fight off diabetes and other sugar problems. As a matter of fact, there are many ways that regular exercise helps with the body's health overall. Socializes the dog. The more time a dog spends with other dogs, the better it will behave around them and around humans. They learn what behavior is threatening and what isn't and how to interact appropriately. If they spend more time with other humans they will realize that few of them are dangerous to themselves, their owners, and so on. Dogs need to learn how to interact with other dogs as well, so exercising them at dog parks or having them walked by a dog walker with other dogs is also a good idea. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Remember that dogs love to explore the world around them through scent, so when out walking or exercising with them, allow them some room on the leash so that they can explore trees, bushes, and so on. Not letting them explore at least a little bit is like going to the mall and not being allowed to look through store windows or go inside any; what's the point of that? A dog should be allowed to exercise not just for the physical activity but for the mental stimulation she gets through this exploration.
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UNDERSTANDING DOG FOOD INGREDIENTS
Dog food is not exactly the same as people food but many of the ingredients work the same way as those in human food. By understanding the components of the food and how it breaks down in their bodies and why certain ingredients are needed, you can make the best decision as to which brand to purchase.
CARBOHYDRATES
The purpose of carbs in a dog's system is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are found in sugar, starch, and some fibers. Some dog foods use cereal products as fillers or cheaper ingredients but these products are also important in any dog food. A starch is a like a long chain of sugar that needs to be broken down in the body before it can be used; this is unlike simple sugar which doesn't need that further digesting before it gets broken down and absorbed. As with humans, when dogs ingest too many carbs that they don't burn off through activity, these are then converted to glycogen and then fat, which is stored in the muscles and other areas of the body. As humans can get diabetes from an overabundance of sugar in their system, dogs can contract or develop diabetes mellitus which is when the pancreas produces too little insulin. You can be aware of symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, generalize weakness, and fatigue. When there are low levels of insulin in the system the sugar in the blood cannot be broken down in the muscles for fuel and then builds up in the bloodstream. Carbs are found in grains such as rice, oats, barley or meal, or high-starch vegetables such as corn or lima beans. These items should make up no more of 50% of dry dog food; if any of these items are listed first in the ingredients then chances are it's much more concentrated with carbs. Most dog treats are also made of a high concentration of carbs and sugar, another reason why these treats should be limited to a reasonable amount.
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FAT
Just like humans, dogs need some fat in their diet in order to be healthy. Fat itself is not dangerous; it is the excessive consumption of it that then becomes a problem. Fat contains concentrated forms of energy; they are one of the components that is broken down for energy when a dog is active, along with carbohydrates. However fat is very calorie-dense meaning that there is a lot of calories in not a lot of fat, so any animal, dogs or humans, that consume more fat than they burn off by way of physical activity will have that fat stored in the body. Omega fatty acids. In both humans and animals, fats are necessary for healthy skin and hair (or fur in your dog's case). The oils in fats feed the skin to keep it soft and protect it from small cuts and breaking or abrasions. Hair is kept soft and smooth and fed through those omega fatty acids. Some fats that are essential for health are not produced by the body and need to be ingested through food. A lack of these essential fatty acids can result in dry and flaky skin and coarse hair. This is not only painful for a dog it also means not being protected from harsh weather and elements. Watching fat intake. As with humans, a dog's body weight is a ratio of calories ingested versus calories burned. Too many calories eaten versus what is burned through physical activity will result in those extra calories being stored as body fat. So while fat is essential for a dog's health it's also important to be balanced. When a dog is overweight it's time to cut back on the sugar, fat, or both in the animal's diet.
PROTEIN
Protein is one of the most important nutrients that a dog can eat; when you think of a dog in the wild you realize how much protein is in their diet!
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This element is needed to feed muscles and tissue, along with the blood and immune functions, as well as providing a good source of energy. Amino acids are essentially the makeup of proteins; different forms of protein are made up by different links and quantities of these amino acids. What dogs require by way of protein. When a dog has inadequate amounts of protein in her system she can suffer from poor muscle tone and anemia. She may also be more susceptible to diseases and sicknesses as her immune system is often compromised. Most dogs require protein at about 25% of their dietary composition. This is one reason that meats should be listed as a first ingredient in any dog food. It's also very important that a dog's source of protein be from more than one source. Not all forms of protein have an adequate supply of different amino acids that are necessary for her health. Simply relying on one type of meat or highprotein vegetable to provide protein will not be enough. With meats you should also try soybean or corn ingredients.
FIBER
Fiber is a substance found in plants that is very difficult for the body to digest. It binds to food and helps it move through the digestive system, softening stools and helping with elimination. It also helps to stimulate the muscles of the digestive system when it is time for elimination, keeping a dog regular. A lack of fiber is one major cause of many gastrointestinal diseases in both humans and dogs. Without enough fiber dogs can be constipated and suffer from hardened stools that are difficult to pass. Certain fiber elements are used by second-rate pet food manufacturers as filler ingredients and have little benefit, but many of these ingredients are important if used in proper proportion. It is also believed that fiber can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream which can ward off the condition of diabetes in dogs. Fiber with weight loss. Fiber also helps a dog to feel full and allows her to moderate her own portions. This helps to keep dogs at a healthy weight. Many dog foods made for weight loss have a higher concentration of fiber than other products. 24
Sources of fiber. There is no fiber in meat so this needs to come from plants and other elements. Good sources of fiber in dog foods include bran of all sorts (rice, wheat or oat), soybeans, apple and tomato pulp (which may be referred to as pomace), or pulp from other citrus fruits.
DOGS NEED VITAMINS TOO
Most humans know that they need vitamins but very few have any idea what each particular vitamin does or why it's particularly necessary. Animals too need vitamins and very often for the same reasons that people do. Fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K and need dietary fat in order to be absorbed properly in the system. Water soluble vitamins include B and C and need adequate amounts of water to be absorbed properly. Most dog foods have a good supply of vitamins for dogs and they typically don't require supplements if they are eating a complete brand of dog food. Vitamin A Very often you hear of a food being advertised as high in beta-carotene; this is just a fancy term for vitamin A, which is important for the dog's eyes, immune system, and growth. Vitamin D Vitamin D is both a vitamin and technically a hormone, and assists in the body's absorption of calcium which is important for strong teeth and bones. This is vitally important in humans but especially in dogs as they are usually much more physically active, putting pressure on their bones, and they use their teeth more readily for tearing meat and other foods. Animals get vitamin D from their foods but also from the rays of the sun; if your dog is indoors quite a bit or if you live in a climate that is not very sunny, you may need to consider a vitamin D supplement.
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Vitamin E Antioxidants are those substances that protect the body's cells from free radicals or those agents that attack healthy cell membranes. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and protects the body's cells from these free radicals. It is also a natural moisturizer that nourishes and protects skin, teeth and fur. Vitamin K We don't often hear a lot about vitamin K but this is a substance that appears naturally in green leafy plants and vegetables. Its major function is to work as a clotting agent within the blood so that the body can protect itself from cuts and abrasions and to ensure proper blood circulation. B Vitamins There are many different vitamins that fall in the B category, including B1, B2, B6, and B12, along with several others. The B vitamins are not stored in the body but need to be ingested every day through one's food or a supplement. The B vitamins are necessary for energy as they help to metabolize proteins, fats and carbs. Vitamin C Humans need vitamin C in order to produce collagen in their system, but dogs seem to not have any real requirements for this vitamin in their system.
OTHER DOG FOOD COMPONENTS
People often know that they need their "vitamins and minerals" but rarely do people know what minerals actually are. When taking care of a dog's nutritional needs it's important to know what all these minerals are and how important each one is to the dog's overall health. One of the reasons for this is that dogs are usually much more physically active than even humans, which means that their overall health and ability to Minerals refer to elements such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, as well as others. These elements help to grow bones and cartilage, develop the muscles and nerves as well as hormones, and many other important functions.
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Calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth; many people know this. But what is also important is the level of phosphorus to the calcium as well. Usually it's good to have one part calcium to 1 part phosphorus. Without phosphorus the bones may not be able to grow appropriately and protect themselves from stress fractures and the like. Iron Iron is very important for proper blood production in the body and for the blood to transport oxygen in order to supply it to all cells. Too little iron could result in anemia which in turn leads to weakness and fatigue. Sodium The body uses sodium as something of a transporter; it takes nutrients to the cells of the body and removes waste material from each cell as well. Sodium also works to balance the water levels between tissues and organs. Zinc The mineral zinc helps to bolster the immune system and also helps the body to absorb proteins and use them appropriately. In dogs, zinc also helps to protect some cells from damage due to oxidation or exposure to the outside elements. Manganese It may seem actually dangerous to include manganese in a dog's diet as it is a metal element that gives steel added strength. However, in small amounts manganese actually helps to activate certain enzymes in the dog's body that produce energy and regulate metabolism. This is especially important in very active dogs.
PUTTING THIS ALL TOGETHER
There just aren't enough doggy dieticians these days to give you a personal recommendation for your dog and her own particular needs. But now that you understand the important components in any dog's diet you can then make a better choice when it comes to the brand of dog food you choose.
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Read the ingredients; as with food sold for humans, the ingredients need to be listed in order of volume, which means the first item listed makes up most of the food, the second item a bit less, and down the list. As an example, consider some leading brands of dog food and what recommends them by way of ingredients: Innova EVO Innova contains no grains but relies on potatoes for their carbs. Meat is also the top four ingredients, including chicken, turkey, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Additional meats are also added in smaller amounts. Apples, carrots, tomatoes, eggs and cottage cheese are also added in. Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Dry Meat is the first four ingredients of this brand; chicken, turkey, chicken meal and turkey meal top the list. Rice is used as their carbohydrates and there are no chemical preservatives used. Additionally, this brand contains no yellow corn or cornmeal, something that many experts say is overused in many brands of dog food. Canidae Wet Dog Food Canidae uses only meats that are hormone free for its foods and human-grade meats are the first ingredients, including chicken, lamb, chicken liver, and chicken broth. Rice and barley are also used as it's carbs.
WHAT TO AVOID
All dog foods advertise that they have "complete nutrition" and are perfect for your dog; whatever you do, don't believe the hype. Many dogs have suffered a myriad of illnesses because their owners have purchased whatever is the cheapest, whatever they have a coupon for, or whatever brand has nice lettering on the package. Typically dog food brands that have corn or cornmeal listed as their first ingredient should be avoided as this is a filler and shouldn't be the main ingredient. Wheat and wheat flour is also a filler and should be listed at the bottom of the ingredients, if at all.
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Because your dog needs a variety of sources for its protein, be sure your brand has more than one type of meat as well. Moist dog foods have a higher concentration of fat and fatty acids. This is good to a certain extent but of course you dog shouldn't have its main diet be comprised of moist dog foods.
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SOME GENERAL TIPS ON TRAINING YOUR DOG
As with children, dogs need to learn that there are certain behaviors that are unacceptable and some things that are expected of them. But as with raising and disciplining a child, there are ways to go about doing this that will be effective and some things you may want to avoid in order to protect the dog from longterm harm. It's an unfortunate trend that developed in past years for owners to use choke chains and collars and other harsh methods of dog training in order to "teach" or "discipline" the dog. To really drive home the point of how important it is to train your dog properly, ask yourself how you would feel if you were taught how to do a new job by having a choke chain around your neck and your boss yanking on it when you did something wrong or he or she wanted to get your attention. While it's true that a dog's neck is stronger than a human's, it's still very inappropriate, hurtful, and downright abusive. So if you're worried about how to train your dog properly without being abusive, there are some things you can remember and keep in mind.
MOTIVATION
When you understand what is going through a dog's head you get a better understanding of why they act the way they do. Once you understand why they behave a certain way and why they react to certain input from you, then it's much easier to "speak the dog's language" and train her in a way that's encouraging and beneficial as well. Pack animals and the alpha dog mentality. It cannot be emphasized enough how dogs are pack animals and that this pack mentality affects almost all of their behavior when around others. To domesticated dogs, the humans around them become their pack. A dog's owner becomes the leader of the pack or the alpha dog, and other dogs are going to follow that alpha dog.
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As the dog's owner you are its leader and the dog is going to want to make you happy. This is something to remember when training or teaching - there should be less of a need to discipline that dog when it does something you don't like and more emphasis on rewarding it when it does things that make you happy. That positive reinforcement from the alpha dog is going to have a stronger impact on the dog's behavior than the punishment will. Praising and reinforcing behavior. Never underestimate the impact it has on your dog's behavior when you praise it and reward its behavior through rewards, petting, and so on. Your dog will crave this type of attention from you, the alpha dog, and will do whatever it can do to get that attention. Here are some common ways that you should consider praising and reinforcing your dog's behavior when she does what you ask of her: Petting. As with humans, physical contact goes a long way toward making a dog feel content, appreciated, and loved. Petting a dog has a very reassuring and calming effect on her. It also creates a bond between the owner and dog itself and this helps to reinforce their loyalty. Playing. If your dog has a favorite toy such as a ball or a Frisbee, tossing this around for them is a great way to reward their behavior. Unlike some humans, dogs actually like to be active and playing with them is a reward that they appreciate. Tone of voice. Believe it or not, dogs don't understand English! For that matter they don't understand any language that an owner may be speaking. They have no idea what you're saying when you talk to them, although they can associate certain words with certain concepts or items - they recognize the words "sit" or "go for a walk" but obviously can't comprehend many words past the basics. However, they do respond to a tone of voice. They understand when you are scolding them, when you're angry, and when you're praising them. Saying the phrase "good dog" in a very reassuring voice is a reward for them; again, they want your approval and can sense when they have it by your tone. Edible treats. When used properly, dogs can associate their favorite edible treats with a job well done. This too is another reason why treats should be given sparingly - if they are handed out regularly then the dog will no longer be motivated to behave properly in order to earn one. 31
TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Positive reinforcement is just as important as punishment or scolding. When you get your dog off the furniture, once he's down then you can give her a small bit of praise or a pet her for a moment. This way they learn that obedience to your commands is also a good thing.
BEING CONSISTENT
Imagine having a job where your starting time is 9:00 a.m. One day you arrive at work right on time only to be told by your boss that you're late and your pay is going to be docked. You're confused and state that plainly; your starting time is nine o'clock and it's even a few before that, so how can you be late? Your boss tells you plainly that he or she decided just now that your starting time is 8:30, so you're late and you're punished. How would you feel? Angry, frustrated, confused, fearful of what will happen tomorrow and what time you should show up? Consistency in training your dog is just as important. Allowing them to indulge in or get away with certain behavior for a long period of time and then one day punishing them for it is going to be terribly confusing for them, just like a boss that docks your pay when you arrive for work at the same time you've been arriving for years. It's difficult for owners to keep up with consistent training as they are often tired and allow their own energy levels to dictate when and how they train a dog, but this is going to be detrimental to her health overall. If you don't allow the dog on the furniture, she needs to be told "no" and guided off of it every single time. If you do this and then one day beckon her to join you on the couch, she'll be confused and probably afraid of you as well.
UNDERSTANDING INSTINCT
Dog care experts agree that dogs are not spiteful. They don't chew up your shoes because they're angry you went away; they do this for entertainment. They don't urinate on the furniture because they're trying to make you angry; they do this to mark their territory, because they haven't been let out in time to go outdoors, or because they haven't been housebroken properly. This too is where your consistency comes into play. If your dog does something such as jump on the furniture or grabs your dinner off the counter, it probably thinks this is appropriate behavior. These behaviors are just instinct and unless you've corrected and taught the dog properly it will continue to do these things. 32
TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Remember that dogs can rarely connect something they did hours ago or even minutes ago with a punishment or correction. You need to catch them in the act when correcting them. If you show them a shoe they've chewed up while scolding them, they may get the message but most likely will not understand what you're angry about.
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TRAINING COMES FROM THE ALPHA DOG - YOU!
For proper training of your dog, it's important that the animal respect you as the alpha dog, or the dominant one in the relationship.
ALPHA EQUALS ABUSE?
Far too many pet owners misinterpret being dominant over their animals with being cruel, abusive, or harsh. They imagine what it means to dominate another human being - certainly not a welcome scenario for anyone! But dominating your dog does not mean being abusive, threatening, harsh, or even unkind in any way. When talking about being the dominant one in your relationship with your dog, this simply refers to establishing your authority over her. You can liken this to having human children. It's important for a child to recognize the authority of a parent and to learn that "no means no" and that certain behavior is expected of them and certain behavior is unacceptable. A good parent can do this without resorting to abusive treatment in any way. Dogs too need to recognize the authority of their owner. Without that recognition there would be chaos; dogs would not respect the boundaries of the property and may treat the entire home as a toilet, they may tear up furniture and other goods, and even become a danger to the owner and children in the home. If you have hesitation about being an authority over your dog, you need to work on this in yourself first. A dog will not pick up on expected behavior on her own and will not adapt to the rules of the house without specific instruction from you, so you need to prepare yourself mentally for your role before you can be effective in it.
THE ROLE OF THE ALPHA
Being dominant over your dog and exercising authority does not mean that your only job as a dog owner is to correct and teach your dog. The role of the alpha dog, in the wild, is to lead the pack, protect it, feed it, and provide for it. The pack looks to the alpha dog for direction and guidance but also for protection. The 34
alpha takes the lead in teaching the rest of the pack to hunt and in hunting itself and is the first to chase predators away. Your dog is going to look to you for protection and will obey your voice because it will have that trust in you as looking out for it, rather than simply acting out of fear. This means that you do need to take care of your dog physically and emotionally in an adequate way. The dog needs to be fed and kept warm and allowed inside when the weather is bad and should have a comfortable spot in which to sleep. The dog also needs to be protected from other members of the family and other strangers if need be. A dog cannot trust you as its protector and provider if you're allowing children to be overly rough with it or do not allow it to go to a quiet part of the house when strangers are over and so on. How this works. Sometimes the alpha needs to be proactive in paying attention to threats or other dangers to the dog and demonstrate this in front of the dog. For instance, if a child or other family member or a stranger threatens or hurts the dog, you need to stand between them and the dog and correct this person. Reassure the dog and spend a moment with it if she needs to be calmed down. Some gentle petting and a soothing tone can go a long way toward helping the dog to see that you are protecting her. Taking care of it emotionally. Protecting your dog physically is only part of establishing yourself as the alpha dog in your home. You need to protect and provide for it emotionally as well; this will not only reassure your dog that your authority is meant for your protection but will also help spur the dog to want to respect you. You should take an active part in your dog's social life. Be proactive about taking the dog for a walk, offering to do so before the dog starts scratching or pacing around. Bringing home special toys now and again is also a good idea so that the dog understands that you're caring for it. If the dog is sick or injured, you need to care for it gently and reassuringly. The way you treat a dog when it is sick or injured will go a long way toward how it perceives you as the alpha.
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TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Try to see being the alpha as a job that involves a lot of the same responsibilities as parenthood. A good parent does need to correct a child on occasion but must also provide for the child, and this means materially, mentally, and emotionally. If you see being the alpha as meaning that you are a provider, not a dominator, then you'll do a much better job in caring for your dog and establishing your authority at the same time.
MYTHS ABOUT ALPHA
Can you discern which of the following is a myth about being the alpha and which way of thinking is appropriate and healthy in training and taking care of your dog? True or False: As the alpha, you should always eat first before you feed your own dog. False. Eating first doesn't establish anything in your relationship with your dog. Some have mistakenly thought that in the wild, an alpha dog would be the first to eat in the pack and so this behavior should be repeated with your own domesticated dogs. If you do put off feeding your dog while you eat this may only serve to frustrate and even frighten your dog. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: The only role that eating should play in the alpha mentality is not letting the dog be around the dining table while the family is eating and making sure it respects the boundaries of the dining table, kitchen counters, and so on. Dogs on the counters is very unhygienic and should not be tolerated. True or False: When a dog needs to go outside, you should make it wait a minute before you get up to open the door. False. Again, this really serves no purpose. Some have mistakenly thought that getting up when your dog needs to go outside will reinforce the idea that you are there to serve them, but keep in mind that dogs need to go outside to use the bathroom. How would you feel if you went to someone's home and needed to use the restroom but found the door was locked, and your host sat for several minutes before letting you inside? When a dog needs to go out, it needs to go out. Making any creature wait before it can relieve itself, if there's no good reason, is cruel and neglectful. 36
True or False: Always have your pet perform something or obey a command before you pet it or give it positive attention. False. Somewhere along the way someone got it into their head that if you give a dog too much positive attention then this will lose its meaning when you're trying to reward it for good behavior. In reality, dogs are like people. Yes, you can over-stimulate a dog the same way you can give a person so much praise that it become empty after awhile, but rarely does this happen with dogs. They are always so happy to receive praise and positive reinforcement from you that they will crave it at all times. There's no reason to save it for special occasions or to have your dog always earn your praise or attention. And really, don't you love your dog just because she's your dog? Acting as if you love her only when she performs properly is somewhat superficial and shallow; the dog is a living creature, not a built-in entertainment center. True or False: A dog should lie at your feet for a moment before you fill its water dish. False. Like using the bathroom, having water is a necessity of life. Denying it water until it "performs" for you is downright cruel. Having a dog do things like lie down or sit still or something else for a treat or other special reward is perfectly fine, but associating a necessity like water with obedience is cruel. Remember too how animals act on instinct. If they feel that something as important as their water supply is threatened then they may react in a defensive way. What these myths have in common. Many of these myths are based on a very demanding, punitive, and harsh way of thinking. To simply demand that your dog behave a certain way may get her to be obedient at the moment, but having a dog react to you out of fear will only be damaging to her in the long run. Additionally, if a dog sees its owner as a threat it can actually turn on him or her so there is need for caution in this regard. Establishing your authority can be done in a variety of ways, so be balanced and reasonable and treat your dog well and you'll truly be the alpha in your home. 37
HOUSETRAINING YOUR DOG
There is probably nothing in the world worse than having a dog that is not properly housebroken. No one wants to come home form a long day at the office to find that the dog has urinated or defecated anywhere in the house. And while housetraining by the least pleasant of all tasks that an owner will undertake, it's crucial that it be done with patience, love, and consideration.
WHEN TO START
Obviously newborn pups cannot be properly housebroken and need to simply be kept in a secure area with newspaper spread out to contain their messes. This paper needs to be changed daily if not even more so. Considering all the bad news in the paper today, you should be happy to spread it out and let you dog mess on it as often as possible. A good sign for when it's time to start housetraining is when the puppy stops what it is doing in order to relieve itself. Like newborn babies, newborn puppies have no idea that they are relieving themselves but once they become aware of the process it's usually time to start the most basic of training. For most puppies this can be around 8 weeks of age; this is usually about the time that they can be safely separated from the mother for any length of time and are aware of their own actions enough to be trained.
ESTABLISHING A ROUTINE
A dog needs to understand that there are places she can urinate without punishment, as well as learning the places where it's inappropriate. This is part of the routine that you'll need to establish for the dog an introduce her to, so you need to have a place set aside outside where you'll expect the dog to take care of her business. This routine also needs to include verbal reinforcement and commands and positive reinforcement when the dog goes in the right spot, at least as long as it's being trained. When establishing this routine remember too that you can't be overly rigid. It takes different amounts of time for different dogs to learn this behavior and simply demanding that they be fully independent within a week or two is not going to be appropriate. Look for signs of progress and this will tell you that you're on the right track with training your dog. 38
LOOKING FOR SIGNS
When you are first housetraining your pet, you need to look for signs that she is ready to relieve herself so that you can catch this in time. One sure sign that a dog is ready to relieve herself is sniffing. When you see your dog sniffing an area you should immediately clip a leash to her collar and take her outside. Other signs that a dog is ready to relieve itself include whining or scratching at doors, or pacing in front of them. Usually these happen a bit later in training but many dogs will exhibit this behavior soon enough. You can also try to time your dog's need to relieve herself by taking her out some 30 minutes after eating.
COMMAND TO GO
You can't truly "make" your dog relieve herself on command, but part of housetraining means making her understand where it's appropriate to go. When your dog is outside in the right spot, you need to choose a phrase that you can use all the time such as "Hurry up," or "Go potty." TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Saying this phrase before and during their business is how you train the dog to recognize the proper spot for them to relieve themselves as you are positively reinforcing their behavior. Remember, dogs don't really understand the words you're saying so if you think it's foolish to say "go potty" while they're actually going, don't. They simply need to hear that same phrase in order for them to associate those words with the action.
CATCHING HER IN THE ACT
Before your dog is fully trained you may be able to catch her relieving herself indoors and when this happens, stop her and take her outside to the right spot. Repeat your command phrase while she continues to relieve herself; this will train her to associate the act and the phrase with that spot as well.
REWARDING
As you need to correct your dog when she does something wrong, you also need to reinforce her behavior when she does the right thing and this includes relieving herself in the appropriate spot. 39
This doesn't need to be in the form of edible treats or anything else as indulgent but just some positive words of praise and perhaps a moment of petting when she's done is enough. This way she'll also associate eliminating in the right spot with making her owner happy.
HANDLING MISTAKES
The way you handle mistakes in housetraining will go a long way toward reinforcing your relationship with your dog or causing your dog confusion, fear and irritation. Remember too that sometimes mistakes are made because of a dog not being trained properly or consistently, so be very honest with yourself and your own training methods to be sure that you are not the problem. As the dog's trainer you need to figure out where the problem is with the dog's mistakes and simply work to correct them, or realize that housetraining is a process that takes many weeks to learn. Punishing for past mistakes. There used to be a mentality with housetraining that you should rub your dog's nose in the site of an accident or mess they've made in the house so that they can learn that this is "bad." But dogs really have no ability to connect this mistake with what you're upset about now, and absolutely no ability to know why you're upset. As far as the dog is concerned you could be angry because they didn't make a big enough mess! Marking their territory. Sometimes a dog isn't making a mistake at all but is marking its territory in order to establish dominance among the pack, which would be you or the family. You need to consider how well your obedience training is going in this case. If the dog has no physical indications that would cause it to lose control of its bladder or bowels and has ample time outside or the ability to go out when it needs to, then chances are it's marking its own territory by urinating. Setting clear and consistent boundaries for the dog is necessary. You need to exercise your own dominance by giving it firm commands when it acts up, such as getting on the furniture or barking for no reason. For any and all mistakes be sure to use a pet odor neutralizer so that there is no trace of it left. If a dog were to have this continuous reminder then she will assume that this behavior is acceptable. 40
PHYSICAL PROBLEMS
Older dogs especially will have physical problems that may make them unable to hold their urine or control their stools. If a dog that has been housebroken for some time now and has adequate abilities to get outside suddenly starts relieving itself indoors, it may be time for a checkup. Bladder infections are one common problem that cause accidents or cause a dog to be unable to hold their urine. Changes in the diet can cause loose stools and diarrhea that a dog may not be able to control. Table scraps are also a common cause of digestive problems in a dog, especially if allowed to overeat. As with humans, some foods taste good right away but cause indigestion later.
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BEHAVIOR TRAINING
Having a dog that can use the bathroom outside and that eats on a regular schedule is really not enough for most dog owners. All of us appreciate how well a dog can be trained to even hold "jobs," such as working on farms or ranches, assisting in police searches and such, and in being guard dogs. You might be assuming that if a dog can be trained to sniff out bombs at the airport, why can't your dog be trained to fetch the newspaper at the end of the driveway? In truth, dogs can be trained to perform many tasks, not just the ones we've already mentioned. Think of guide dogs for the blind who can assist with virtually every household task, can read traffic signals, and so many other things they do for their owners. You may not be able to actually train your own dog to be able to do all these things as this requires a lot of specialized training for many hours every day, but you can train her to accomplish many other tasks or at the very least to obey simple commands.
USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
One of the first things you need to keep in mind when deciding how to train your dog is whether or not you want to use painful methods to point out mistakes that your dog makes during training. Do you know how many dog care experts today are advising against this type of training? Shock collars and choke chains are now being recognized as abuse of your dog, even there is a behavior problem that has become a problem. Just as you would not expect to be whipped for getting a speeding ticket, dogs should not be physically punished for their behavior. Realizing how much a dog wants to make happy their owner should be motivation as well to keep their training positive and for it to include rewarding them when they do well rather than simply punishing them when they do wrong. Once you've gotten it out of your mind that you need to physically punish your dog when it comes time for training then it's time for it to actually begin.
PICK A SUBJECT
When you say that you want to train your dog, what exactly are you talking about? Many people have some vague idea in their mind about what commands they want to teach, including having the dog sit, stay, fetch, and so on, but after 42
this they are at a loss. The very first step you need to accomplish in order to train your dog is to figure out what you're going to train her to do. TIP FROM THE EXPERT: Most dogs only take a short amount of time to learn the simple commands such as to sit, come, stay, and so on, but it's best to work on just one at a time. Don't make the mistake of overwhelming your dog with a long list of things they need to learn at once. When they learn once command clearly, you can continue to use it as you move on to the next.
DEMONSTRATE THE CONCEPT
It's important to remember that dogs really don't understand language; all they can do is associate certain sounds with certain objects or concepts. Simply telling your dog to sit will mean nothing to her as she has no idea what that word means. You need to demonstrate this concept to your dog as you say the word or command over and over again. When you say the word "sit," push your dog's behind very gently to the floor, and say it again and again. Once the dog is in the position you want it to be, give it praise and a treat. The key is to repeat the word as the dog is performing the action or while you're demonstrating it. Saying it beforehand as a command is something that will come later once the dog has associated that word with the action, but this is something it will need to learn first.
BREAK IT DOWN
Suppose you want to teach your dog something more complicated such as how to get the newspaper from the end of the driveway. Obviously you can't just say the word "newspaper" and expect it to understand what you want it to do. For commands such as this, you need to break it down into a manageable demonstration for the dog. The first day, repeat the word "newspaper" as you walk with the dog to the end of the driveway. Put the paper in the dog's mouth as you walk back, continuing to say the word. The next day, when you say the word newspaper your dog will expect that this means you're going for a walk with her; that's what happened yesterday, right? So on the second day you say the word while you both walk to the paper but have her pick it up with her mouth rather than giving it to her.
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Practice taking the paper from the dog's mouth (don't let her just rip it up or drop it somewhere and run off) and give her praise. You may need to practice this second step for another day or two before you can simply open the door and say "newspaper" and watch as she runs to the end of the drive to get it. TIP FROM THE EXPERT: Demonstrate every step of each command for the more complicated ones, especially if it involves fetching something. Remember that once a dog has something that doesn't mean that it will automatically be ready to hand it over to you. Giving back the newspaper, the rubber ball, or whatever else you dog has needs to be part of their training or else they may assume that whatever they've gotten is now theirs!
RELIABLE RECALL
Every responsible pet owner should be teaching their dog to return to them on command; this is not just for the owner's convenience but for the dog's safety as well. Many dogs die every year because of being hit by cars while chasing something or just running free, and many of these incidents could be avoided if the dogs were trained to return to their owners immediately. The term "reliable recall" refers to a new concept in dog training that is used by owners for emergencies or extreme situations and should not be confused with the "come" command. How are they different? Think of how many times during the day that you use the term "come" with your dog. Even when playing you may say "come here" over and over again. To the dog, the word "come" is not an urgent command and doesn't result in much by way of a reward. This is why it's important to have a special reliable recall command that is special, unique, and used only for emergencies. How this works. The first thing you need to do is pick a word that is unusual enough that you won't use it that often, which would just confuse the dog even more. It should be a strong, direct and powerful word, and one you can remember easily. For example, let's use the word "heel."
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Your next step is to remember that you don't want to use this word under other circumstances, especially when with your dog. This is your emergency or critical word for your dog to return to you. The next thing you want to do is train your dog to expect a sizeable reward every time she returns to you when you use this word. Choose a good food item that your dog loves - hot dogs are good as they're portable and most dogs love them and practice this command at a dog park or in the yard. Repeat the word firmly but not angrily at the dog as you feed it the treat. Once it is used to having the reward as you say the word, then practice saying it when the dog is away from you. This way it can associate the word with having to return to the owner immediately. Practice using this command once a week or so in order for the dog to stay in practice with it. Using the reliable recall. This command is something you want to use only in urgent situations when the dog absolutely must come back to you, such as when it breaks away from its leash or is near traffic. Do not use this command on a daily basis, during play, or other non-urgent times. By using this command only during emergent situations you train the dog to respect it as something it must do, and not something that is just being done for fun.
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CRATE TRAINING
While being in a small box might seem abusive and cruel to humans, dogs actually like being in a small enclosed space for resting and sleeping. Owners should provide them with a crate for indoor sleeping and a doghouse for outdoor sleeping.
WHY A CRATE
Dogs are den animals, meaning they prefer sleeping in smaller and cozier places than simply outdoors or in the open air. You might compare this to how most humans are more comfortable sleeping when being wrapped up in a blanket as opposed to just stretching out on the floor. A crate is not something that should ever be used as a punishment. This is something they should associate with sleeping and being comfortable. Crates, if used and trained properly, can be used for traveling and when you need to be away from the dog for small amounts of time. However, they should never be used for extended periods of time or as a substitute for proper dog care during the day when you're at work or will be gone for any extended amount of time.
THE APPROPRIATE SIZE
When we say that a dog likes being in a small enclosed place, we don't mean cramped or suffocating quarters. Dogs enjoy being in a smaller place when they're at rest because it makes them feel safe when they're closed up like this. Any crate or doghouse should be large enough for a dog to stand up in with plenty of room and to do a complete turn without touching any of the sides. Obviously this size will vary according to the breed of dog; a crate that's too large will not give that adequate feeling of safety for small dogs and one that's too small for larger dogs will be uncomfortable and defeat the purpose.
HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING
There are many myths and misconceptions involved with crate training. Many so-called experts will act as if crate training is very easy and simply a matter of wearing out your dog and forcing her into the crate, but this too only causes a rift in your relationship with your dog. The crate should not be seen as punishment or something to dread. 46
Make the crate enjoyable. Even though the crate is something they should be naturally attracted to because it will make them feel secure, they still need to be introduced to it as something to be enjoyed. Just like a young child going from a crib to a bed may not be comfortable with it at first, your dog may not immediately be drawn to the crate. Be sure there is a doggy bed or cushion for the dog in the crate so that she can actually be comfortable in it; the bottom of a wooden box is not going to be inviting enough for the dog. It's best to start crate training while the dog is still a puppy. Set aside a special toy and an unwashed shirt of yours for the crate. These should not be taken out of the crate as they are meant just for this time. Keeping it open at first. If you're using a crate with a door that closes and locks you want to entice the dog in without locking it up that way. Special treats may need to be used, but the dog needs to be comfortable in the crate while still being able to get out before you begin locking her in. Be sure that you have a good routine of allowing the dog to relieve itself before putting it in the crate or down for the night. When a dog needs to relieve itself and is locked in the crate not only will this create anger, frustration and confusion on the dog's part, it will eventually relieve itself in the crate leaving you with a mess.
WHEN THEY DON'T RESPOND
It can be very difficult for new puppy owners to properly train them to stay in their crate, as puppies have a way of whining and whimpering and of course owners respond to this by taking them out immediately. This of course is a big mistake. Puppies will usually whine simply because they want attention or are in a new situation they don't like, not necessarily because there is anything wrong with them. Sometimes the owners just need to play the waiting game with them and allow them to get accustomed to their new surroundings and fall asleep on their own.
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TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Be sure you are very active with your puppy during the day so she'll be worn out by the time you need to put her in the crate at night. This way she'll fall asleep faster and will be too tired to put up much of a fight.
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SPECIAL ISSUES WITH DOG CARE AND TRAINING
With all the positive reinforcement you give your dog and all the care and handling you dole out, there are some times when a dog will present itself with special problems or behavior concerns for the owners. It's not to say that these situations mean that you should ignore all rules of dog training but there are times when you need to alter your approach in order to address these special circumstances. As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures.
OVERLY AGGRESSIVE DOGS
There are times when all the training you give your dog does not result in their obedience when you give them direction or correct your action, or worse yet, when they growl or become menacing to you. Reasons for aggression. There are a few common reasons for this aggression. One may be that the dog feels threatened in some way, such as being physically harmed by members of the family or other such abuse. When this happens and remains unchecked, the dog does not feel like part of the pack and so is not inclined to recognize your authority. Certain medical conditions can also trigger aggression in dogs, so if your dog has been normally docile and agreeable but suddenly becomes aggressive for what seems like no reason, it's time to take her to the vet for a full checkup. In some cases the dog is actually challenging your authority. There are some breeds that are just more aggressive than others and they feel a natural urge to challenge your authority. How to correct this. While you never want to be abusive to your dog or deny it the necessities of food and water, this may be a time when you need to exert your authority. Have your dog sit before putting down its food bowl or taking it for a walk. This way the dog has your authority reinforced in an important way. You aren't 49
keeping food from it as a punishment in any way, but simply being sure that they obey your command before they receive it. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Watch your tone of voice when you command your dog. When correcting the dog you need to be authoritative and assertive. Don't ask your dog to get off the sofa, demand that it do. Dogs respond to tone of voice; soothing and reassuring is a reward whereas authoritative and commanding is a correction. Too many owners make the mistake of pleading, cajoling, or otherwise asking their dog's permission for it to behave rather than insisting it do.
BARKING
A barking dog is something like a double-sided coin; on the one hand, it can work as an important warning to its owner and as a means to frighten away predators or threats, but on the other hand it is one of the most annoying sounds in the world! A dog that barks incessantly needs to be corrected and handled. However, simply yelling at it is not a permanent solution. This might stop it from barking at that moment, but doesn't address the actual reason for the excessive barking. Reasons for barking. In order to address a dog's excessive barking permanently you need to figure out why it's barking. The common reasons for this include: territorial aggression protective aggression separation anxiety
You need to get to the root of the dog's barking in order to correct the problem. In territorial aggression, remember that this can happen not just when a dog's territory is threatened in a way that you assume. When a dog is in a new environment or near other dogs such as when out in the yard, it can sense that its territory needs protecting. Protective aggression works in much the same way; strangers, other dogs, or anything else that it perceives as being a threat to itself or its pack is met with barking as a warning for the threat and for you.
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Separation anxiety can also trigger barking, even if the dog is only in the other room, basement or garage for a short time. The dog has not concept of the fact that you're on the other side of the wall and assumes that you've disappeared for good. If there is nothing to occupy or entertain her, she begins barking and won't stop until she's reassured of your presence. How to stop excessive barking. If you need to put your dog in another room be sure she has toys and even a treat while she's there. This reassures her that everything is fine and will occupy her enough so that she won't need to bark incessantly. When it comes to aggression, it's good to address the reason for their aggression. If it's strangers that bother the dog, allow it to meet them ; if it's a regular visitor he or she can give the dog a treat so she sees the stranger is not a threat. Other types of aggressive behavior cannot always be corrected. If you live in an area where there are other dogs in neighboring yards, you may not be able to correct their barking. Remember, they're acting off of instinct. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: In cases such as this it may be advisable to put a muzzle on your dog when they're outside so that they won't react with such barking. There are many muzzles available today that are more comfortable for dogs than ever before ad simply curb their barking.
BITING AND NIPPING
Actual dog bites are very serious matters; remember that as a dog owner you would be responsible for medical bills incurred if your dog were to bite someone and cause injury. It's part of your responsibility as an owner to train a dog to control this urge of hers. Reasons for biting and nipping. As we've discussed, sometimes dogs react naturally to threats or assaults on their person. If a child or even an adult does something that causes the dog pain, she will react with the defense mechanism of biting or nipping. In cases such as this, it is the adult that needs correcting, not the dog. In many cases dogs are biting or nipping because they're overly excited and see this as part of play; in the wild, dogs nip at each other the same way humans might playfully wrestle or punch one on the shoulder. 51
However, some dogs are in the habit of biting out of aggression or to establish dominance. This needs to be corrected. How to correct this. Dogs that out-and-out bite need to be separated from the family and especially young children. When they bite at strangers this needs to be corrected firmly with a very loud and authoritative "no!". TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Be sure that your tone of voice reflects that this is an absolutely unacceptable behavior. Do not use a coddling or chastising tone; instead, it should be loud, authoritative, and commanding. The dog needs to understand that this is absolutely unacceptable behavior. Investing in a muzzle is also a good idea for this type of dog. If she nips or bites out of aggression, the muzzle needs to go on right away. This way the dog realizes that it's mouth needs to be controlled.
GENERAL TIPS FOR CURING AGGRESSIVENESS
It's very strange the number of circumstances that can cause a dog's aggressiveness. A dog owner that is single and lives alone can bring home a date and find that the dog is immediately threatened; heaven forbid if someone moves in with him or her! New babies can often be the target of a dog's aggressiveness as the dog is attempting to establish dominance over what it sees as a new member to the pack. A dog's aggressiveness can also manifest itself in many ways, from barking at the newcomer to simple growling, urinating or defecating in appropriate areas, and so on. Many times you can equate this type of aggressiveness with a plain and simple temper tantrum the way a child might act up for attention. There are some easy ways you can address these types of aggression in your dog: Simple disapproval on your part. Your dog craves your approval and affection and when it acts up and you scold it, the dog is hurt. Standing over the dog with your hands on your hips and a solid "bad dog!" may be enough for it to stop its behavior. Be sure to do this consistently. Put it in the other room. Dogs don't like to be separated and crave that attention, so putting it in the garage or other room is just like how 52
a child is sent to his or her room when they misbehave. Be sure to bring the dog out after some time and give it another change to behave itself; the minute it shows aggressive behavior, put it back in the other room. Get a water bottle. As with cats, a squirt from a water bottle on the nose can be annoying enough that the dog gets the message. This is not physically dangerous or abusive, but just irritating. Of course this only works if and when you catch a dog doing something inappropriate right at the time so keep it handy. Positive reinforcement. If a dog is aggressive toward a particular guest, remember that you need to reinforce the positive behavior as well. The guest can give it a treat and you can give the dog positive attention while in the presence of the guest. This reassures the dog that she does not need to see this person as a threat to her place in the pack and can learn to behave properly around him or her.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
A dog that is aggressive to the point of being dangerous to a child, elderly person, or other animals in the house needs to be dealt with. If you have tried all other methods of curbing this aggression, you need to speak to a vet about possibly medicating the dog. There are many things vets can recommend that simply help a dog to have a more calm nature and to feel less threatened. And it may be a hard choice, but sometimes a dog just simply needs to be given up for the safety of the other occupants of the house. Obviously a baby's safety needs to come first before the comfort of a dog. It's also important to understand how aggressive dogs can become around other dogs. If you insist on having more than one dog, be ready for some problems between them. Dogs try to assert dominance over one another and while they are pack animals, they don't always play well with other dogs. This can be a tough choice for a family but sometimes sacrificing a dog to another owner is the only thing that's reasonable for it.
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DOG TRAINING SECRETS THE EXPERTS NEVER TALK ABOUT
Why in the world would dog experts not tell you all their secrets? That's a trick question, right? Of the dog training experts will never reveal all their secrets but that would put them out of business. On top of which, if you knew all the common mistakes that most dog owners made you wouldn't need to go to them to correct those mistakes. So before you plunk down more dollars for a "dog whisperer" or begin to think that you just aren't meant to be a successful dog owner, consider the following information:
SHORT ATTENTION SPAN
As we've mentioned, dogs have no concept of a past action and current words from their owner. The only way you can appropriately correct and train your dog is to do so right at the moment they are misbehaving or when they are being obedient. Chastising them for tearing up something five hours ago or even five minutes ago is pointless. TIP FROM THE EXPERTS: Pay attention! When you are training a puppy they need to be in your line of sight at all times. If you're busy, assign a family member to watch her. Remember that you can use the leash indoors - buy a very long one and attach it to a furniture leg or even to your own belt so that the puppy can't get into another room without you noticing. This idea of realizing their short attention span also refers to rewarding them for obedience. If you're training her to sit or stay or shake hands, having her perform and then getting up to go get treats is pointless. She will not associate her action with the treat; in her mind, those few seconds are gone. Realizing the short attention span of dogs requires some planning on your part; this means setting aside time to train and being ready to reward immediately.
CONSISTENCY
Inconsistently is one of the biggest and most common mistakes that owners make. If a dog begs at the table and you give her scraps one day but then scold 54
her the next, she will have no idea of whether or not this is good behavior or behavior that leads to a reward. It's easy for any owner to get tired after a long day and just ignore the dog on the couch or something else she's doing, but it's very important that you be consistent with improper behavior each and every time.
REWARDING BAD BEHAVIOR
If a dog whines to get out of its crate or separate room and you go and let it out, what have you taught it? Simply put, whining gets her what she wants. When a dog does something to get your attention or to manipulate you, it's important to be strong during this time and to not reward the bad behavior by giving in and giving it what it wants. It can be tough to be the adult during this time but that's important for a dog owner just like it is for a parent. Giving the dog whatever it wants whenever it misbehaves or acts up is only going to make the situation worse.
REWARDING THE GOOD BEHAVIOR
It's easy to get wrapped up in training your dog and assume that this means only punishing the wrong behavior. However a dog needs to know that when it does something right then this is what you're looking for and what you expect. If you don't reward their good behavior, you'll get nowhere. Rewards don't always means treats, as we've mentioned. A few minutes of petting the dog, tossing around its favorite toy, or curling up on the floor with it can also be great ways to reinforce your dog's behavior. Remember too that your tone of voice will go a long way toward this reinforcement as well. A happy and friendly voice as you reassure it and pet it will help the dog to understand that this is a reward and positive reinforcement.
GIVING UP
It's easy to think that your dog will just never learn to behave the way it should once you experience a setback or when things aren't progressing as you think they should. This is usually when owners run to trainers and experts and ask them to step in. 55
Training a dog is a lot like raising a child. It takes a long time for them to learn and isn't always an easy process. Dogs will have setbacks and regressions but this isn't reason to throw in the towel and label yourself a bad owner or think that you have a bad dog. As a matter of fact, many experts count on you giving up and throwing in the towel so that you'll come running to them, and very often they're not going to do anything other than what we've instructed you to do in this book. So don't give up that easily. Be consistent and remember to spend time just enjoying your dog and her company rather than always worrying about every little problem, and you'll see that soon enough you truly are a successful dog owner with a well-behaved, well-cared for, and well-trained member of your family!
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