DOG BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

As much as we love dogs, there are times when they can really drive us crazy. Usually this is simply because there are some behavior problems such as barking, begging, and destructiveness. For many, life would be perfect if their dog would curb their behavior problems and really start behaving most of the time. Unfortunately, a dog will never curb his own behaviors and it is up to the owner to take some time for dog obedience training.

Surprisingly, it can be very easy to solve a dog behavior problem with training and in many cases the training should be started with the owner. That’s right, I said it. Usually, when a dog has behavior problems, it has nothing to do with the dog obedience training that the owner took part in. What it does have to do with is whether the owner made some of the common mistakes when they were training their dog. One of the biggest mistakes that many owners make when it comes to dog obedience training is that they stop training once their dog reaches a certain level. While the dog is trained, they will quickly forget or ignore commands that are not used on a regular basis.

This in turn leads towards behavior problems such as barking and chewing. Instead of stopping training, it is important that an owner spends a few times every week with dog obedience training. This will not only reinforce the established training but it will also give the dog something to do and will prevent many problems caused by boredom or under stimulation, such as chewing. If your dog has some behavior problems, it is time to start dog obedience training, whether it is for the first time or again. The first step is to re-establish those household rules that your dog may have broken. Don’t allow your dog on the furniture and correct him when he is begging.

This can be done simply by distracting the dog from the behavior or removing him from the room. Correct the bad behaviors in a positive manner and praise the dog when he is doing a good behavior. In addition to establishing rules, it is time to break out the basics of dog obedience training. One activity that is often encouraged when a dog is participating in a negative behavior is to take your dog aside and begin “puppy pushups.” This is actually when you put your dog in a sit, then down into a lying position, back into a sit and up into a stand. Give the command for each step and reward the dog for every step if the dog obedience training is still fresh.

This is a great way to expel unwanted energy and it really gets the dog focusing on you and not on a negative behavior. It also provides time to reinforce training and is an excellent way to move onto the next areas of dog obedience training. While puppy exercises and setting rules is important, it is also important to teach your dog a “no” command. Choose a command that is fast and easy to say and also one that cannot be mistaken for a different command. When your dog is engaged in a negative behavior, simply clap your hands or make a loud noise to disrupt the behavior and then give a firm “no.” Don’t scold or punish the dog but display your displeasure through your voice. Using the techniques that you would use in dog obedience training will quickly correct many behavior problems that arise and you will quickly see the benefit of continuously training your dog on a daily or weekly basis.

Nancy Richards has been involved with dog training for several years. Learn all about dog housebreaking , dog obedience training, dog grooming, diet, care for all dog breeds.

Behavior problems in my dog?

I have two Pit Bulls, “Lily” and “Dasy”… Lily is great, she’s calm and is a really great dog… But Dasy, is the problem puppy… First of all she destroys everything, so we have to lock her up when we are gone. Then, when i let her out of her kennel, i take both dogs out for a walk for about an hour. Dasy refuses to “go potty”, and when i bring her back in, she poops and pees in the house… She also is very jealous and shows a lot of resentment towards Lily… What can i do to make her act better?
Lily is older and we got her first… She is also spayed… Dasy is only about six months old…

Answer
To address the potty issue…

Sounds like this dog needs some structure. Dog’s who do their potty on walks, are often smart enough if they can hold it in, you will extend the walk.

To correct this, you will have to choose a designated spot in your yard for potty. The walk doesn’t commence until Miss Dasy goes potty. The first little while this will require alot of patience on your part, as you will likely have to wait it out to make it happen. Try and choose a time of day when you are sure she has to “go”, such as first thing in the morning, or after a meal. When she is successful, have a really special treat ready and praise, praise, praise.

In doing this, the walk will also be the reward for the good “potty” and eventually she will catch on, but you must be CONSISTENT.