Behaviour
You have found the Behaviour Section of our web site and if you
are here you probably have some questions about your own pet's
behaviour. Animal behaviour is such an extensive and complex area,
there are so many different possible causes or combination of
causes for "bad" behaviour.
As our site
grows we hope to help you with your pet's problem(s) with different
articles on some more common complaints. However, due to the complexity
of some behaviour issues it is wise to come see us in person with
your pet, to rule out or diagnose any underlying health problems.
We will also continue to research other helpful web sites on training/behaviour
topics and post their links here. Most importantly if you feel
your pet's behaviour is a danger to people or other animals, seek
professional help immediately, DO NOT try to resolve the problem
yourself!
12
Tips for a Well Behaved Dog 
(Cats are whole other story!)
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11 12
1.
When it comes to raising and training a dog, an ounce of problem
prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure! Start training
your puppy early on because what's learned earliest, is often
learned quickest and easiest. While it is possible to teach old
dogs new tricks, more time and patience will be needed.. Moreover,
the older the dog, the more bad habits will likely need to be
"unlearned".
2.
Train your dog gently and humanely, and teach him using positive,
motivational methods. Keep obedience sessions short and fun so
that the training process is enjoyable for all parties involved.
If training your pooch is a drudgery, rev things up a bit, and
try a different approach. Incorporate constructive, non-adversarial
games such as "Go Find The Toy", "Hide 'n' Seek The Treat", retrieving
the ball or frisbee, etc. into your training sessions.
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3.
Does your dog treat you like "hired help" at home? Does he treat
you like a human gymnasium when you're sitting on the furniture?
Does he beg at the table? Jump up on visitors? Demand your attention
by annoying you to death? Ignore your commands? How well your
dog responds to you at home affects his behavior outdoors as well.
If your dog doesn't respond reliably to commands at home (where
distractions are relatively minimal), he certainly won't respond
to you properly outdoors where he's tempted by other dogs, pigeons,
passersby, cats, etc.
4.
Avoid giving your dog commands that you know you cannot enforce.
Don't tell your dog to "Lay Down", then walk away before they
do or give them a treat when they "sit" instead. Soon your dog
learns that commands are optional.
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5.
One command should equal one response and one reward. Repeating
commands tunes your dog out (as does nagging) and teaches your
dog that the first several commands are a "bluff '. For instance,
you ask your dog to "Come" and then repeat it 3 more times, the
last time using your deep, stern voice on which they actually
come to you. This is neither an efficient nor effective way to
issue commands. Simply give your dog a single command and gently
place or lure your dog into that position, then praise/reward.
6.
Avoid giving your dog combined commands. Combined commands such
as "sit-down" can confuse your dog. For instance, say either "sit"
or "down" and reward for each response.
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7.
When giving your dog a command, avoid using a loud voice. Even
if your dog is especially independent/unresponsive, your tone
of voice when issuing an obedience command such as "sit","down"
or ""stay", should be calm and authoritative, rather than harsh
or loud. NOTE: Many owners complain that their dogs are "stubborn",
and that they "refuse to listen" when given a command. Before
blaming the dog when he doesn't respond to a command, one must
determine whether or not: a) the dog knows what the owner wants,
b) he knows how to comply, c) he is not simply being unresponsive
due to fear, stress or confusion.
8.
Your dog should trust that when it hears its name or is called
to you, good things happen Whenever possible, use your dog's name
positively, rather than using it in conjunction to reprimands,
warnings or punishment.. His name should always be a word he responds
to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If you have to call
your dog to you for a possible unpleasant experience (like a bath!)
distract them first with some fun "games" or treats. By the time
it is bath time your dog will forget that you call him there to
begin with!
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9.
Prevention is the key! If you are aware of potential problems
and take measures to train your pet properly before the "bad"
behaviour starts - you will have a great bond with your pet! Teaching
and communication is what it's all about, not getting even with
your dog. If you discipline your dog after-the-fact you'll undermine
your relationship, while missing out on all the fun that a motivational
training approach can offer.
10.
When training your dog, whether praising or correcting, good timing
is essential. Before they've misbehaved is the best, easiest and
most effective time to correct your dog, while they are "thinking
" about it, not after they've done it!
11.
Often, dog owners inadvertently reinforce their dogs' misbehavior,
by giving their dogs lots of attention (albeit negative attention)
when they misbehave. Needless to say, if you find your dog chewing
on your best pair of shoes and you yell, cry and chase him around
the room trying to get your shoes back, that behavior is being
reinforced, and is therefore likely to be repeated. Quietly take
the shoes away, calmly put the dog into it's "quiet area" and
ignore them - no attention is the best "punishment". But don't
make them wait too long, remember to always forgive and make up
(and don't leave your shoes out again!).
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12.
Never train your dog when you're feeling grouchy or impatient.
Earning your dog's respect is never accomplished by yelling, hitting,
or handling your dog in a harsh manner. Studies have shown that
fear and stress will actually inhibit the learning process.
GOOD
LUCK TO ALL!
American Dog Trainers Network
www.inch.com/~dogs/
An online dog training course
www.well-heeled.com
Dr. P's Dog Training Library Animal Behaviour Site
www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/dog.htm
Tony Parker - A.A.H.A, A.B.S, T.A.S.A, T.L.A.B.C
companion animal behavioralist, master dog trainer
www.dogtrainingsmartline.com
(604) 514-9221
