5 Surefire Ways to Get your Dog to Behave
Ξ November 20th, 2008 | → | ∇ metadolllogin.com | edit
MY DOG wont come when I call him. My dog barks so much that the neighbors are complaining. My dog is always jumping on me and on my visitors. In all such cases, frustrated pet owners are asking, What can I do?
The answer is probably to give your dog basic obedience training - teaching it to respond to simple commands. Of course, it is best to begin while your dog is still a puppy. But even older dogs can learn. One professional dog trainer said: The minimum age of dogs that we receive for training is four months, and the maximum is five years. But I have taught basic obedience to dogs that are even ten years old.
Dogs are intelligent. They have been trained to sniff out drugs and explosives, assist the handicapped, and perform search-and-rescue missions. But how can you train your dog to obey you?
Genetic Makeup
First, you need to know about the genetic makeup of your dog. Like wolves, dogs are hierarchy conscious. They instinctively gravitate toward living in a pack under a leader, or alpha dog. Your family is your dogs pack, and it needs to understand that you are the leader.
In a wolf pack, the leader chooses the warmest, most elevated spot to sleep. It also eats before the others. So if your dog is allowed to sleep on your bed or get on the furniture, it may conclude that it is the leader. The same might happen if it is fed tidbits from the table at mealtime.
Even as a puppy, your dog can learn that it is subordinate to you. How? Try holding its gaze with your eyes until it looks away. Also, rubbing the dogs belly while it is on its back is a good exercise, as this puts it in a submissive position. If your dog is being a nuisance and does not stop when you say No, try ignoring it or leaving the room.
When your dog responds to your commands, it is acknowledging that you are in charge. If you as the owner do not establish your position of leadership, your pet may conclude that it is equal or superior to you, and this might affect its behavior.
How to Teach Simple Commands
To teach your dog basic commands, you will need a collar, a leash, and plenty of patience. One training manual recommends the following: (1) Give a simple, one-word command, (2) demonstrate the desired action, and (3) immediately give praise when the action is performed. Your tone of voice is more important than the words you use. A command should be given in an affirmative tone, and praise should be given in a happy, affectionate tone.
Physical punishment, such as hitting or kicking, is not necessary. Simply say