Good Dog Behavior

All dog owners know how difficult it can be to train your dog, and although on one hand your favourite pet is keen to please you, on the other hand they do not always understand what it is that you want from them. This can I know at times be very frustrating, but before you think about giving up let us consider some things that can help you.

When your dog does what you want her to do it is essential that you offer reward and praise. Don’t just resort to punishment when they do something wrong, but reward them when they do it right. Dogs love it when we give them our full attention and approval, and they will do all they can in order to get it. For instance, if you want him to go to the toilet in a certain place then reward them when they do, in fact, go over the top with your praise. This positive reinforcement is vital to your success in getting your dog to do what you want.

Now there are some training aids on the market which you can buy, some quite frankly being much better than others. Expert dog trainers are now turning away from choke collars and chains saying that they are quite ineffective for the task, as well as being harmful. What is still held in high esteem however is a good strong collar and lead, one which you can give a gentle tug to and get your dogs attention without causing any discomfort. A dog needs to be reminded of what they can and cannot do, and a good lead will help with this. Some people like to use a muzzle in order to try and control barking both when out, and when at home, but we shopuld never forget that barking is something that comes naturally to a dog.

Another weapon in your arsenal of dog traing aids is the good old fashioned grooming brush. Most dogs just love the time when they are groomed, and they also love having a toy to play with. Give them a chewy top and you will keep them happy for hours, and they won’t be looking to chew the furniture or get up to mischief. Another basic aid is you, yes, your playing with your dog is not only great fun for both of you, but it will make sure that he or she has little energy left to get into trouble. It does not cost anything to play, so make sure you do.

A final word to say about bathing your dog. They can be trained from an early age to enjoy this providing you use the right equipment. The shampoo that you use needs to be dog shampoo, not human shampoo, and a conditioner is helpful in order to making the combing activity easier later. Have a good size towel handy, and if necessary a leash in order to restrain them. You can make this an enjoyable activity for both of you providing as I said earlier, you start at an early age.

Tags: Dog Training

Dog grooming parlors are everywhere, and it’s no surprise to anyone. Anyone who has ever known more than one or two dog owners has met at least one who is willing to spend more money on their dog than some people spend on their children. So why not spend that money on grooming?

Don’t you think your pup deserves to be pampered!

An occasional trip to the groomer is not a bad thing because your dog does deserve the best care you can possibly provide to him.

However, just because there’s no reason not to make the odd trip to the groomer part of your dog’s life doesn’t mean you should give all the responsibility over to the groomer. In fact, that’s precisely where it becomes a bad idea.

You might think that the groomer is more experienced than you are and can do a better job so why shouldn’t they do it? After all, most of us leave the majority of our car maintenance to professionals, so why not our dog maintenance?

We don’t form emotional relationships with our cars.

Sure you hear lots of people talking about how they “love” their cars, and some of them probably even believe it, but it’s not the same kind of relationship you have with your dog. For one thing, the emotional bond between driver and car is not reciprocal.

No matter what you do, your car isn’t going to love you, and you won’t hurt its feelings.

The difference is your dog. Take care of and spend lots of time with your dog and your relationship with him can be very strong and well off. It is important because if you take the time to love and groom him you can actually help to instill behavior that is good!

Take the time, your dog is worth it.

Tags: Dog Training