In one of my articles, I talked about being the “Alpha” and developing a relationship with your dog. Now that you’ve climbed the status latter and you’re the one with the power, you need to take your responsibilities very seriously. A dog’s needs are just as important to him as your needs are to you.

• Earn your dog’s trust. Keep him safe from harm – harm from other dogs, other people and the elements. In addition, your dog should FEEL safe with you. He should not feel that he has to decide whether to run away or fight; to be aggressive toward another dog or a person, or to hide. You are the one who takes care of him and tells him whether and how he should respond. For instance, dog parks can be great places for dogs to play with other dogs and for you to chat with other dog people. On the other hand, if too many dogs are playing, or if your dog is acting frightened or aggressive, it’s usually best to withdraw. Come back when the environment is more conducive to good behavior. Even something as mundane as the back yard can be a place of danger or a breeder of bad habits, if the dog feels that he has to patrol and defend THE WHOLE THING, and you’re not there to reassure him. Always, if other dogs are in the vicinity or small children are around, extraordinary vigilance is warranted until you KNOW what your dog’s responses will be.

• Manage your dog’s environment. In addition to safety, this means that if the dog chews, find a chew-proof spot for him to stay if you can’t watch him. If he runs away, FIX THE FENCE or build one. Keep him on-leash in traffic. Try not to blame the dog for being a dog, and start modifying the environment to make being good easier. As he becomes more mature and well-behaved, you can relax your management.

• Respect your dog as an animal and as an individual. He is your dog and companion. Forcibly moving him, striking him, or pinning him to the ground is likely to lead to relationship problems. If a dog sees you as a threat to his safety, he may either “shut down” and not respond, or become aggressive toward you. He should welcome your touch, not fear it. An inappropriate physical correction can seriously harm or actually destroy your relationship with your dog.

• Exercise and stimulate your dog. Especially in adolescence, the only good dog may be a tired one! Because dogs are naturally most active in the morning and evening hours, a run at those times is very appropriate and will help him relax in between. Throwing the ball in the backyard is good exercise, but also realize that your dog requires mental stimulation as well as physical activity.

Dogs love to teach us games. Their favorites tend to be tug-of-war and keep-away, usually with something we don’t want them to have. Games of cooperation – like retrieving and hide-and-seek (the person hides – the dog seeks) are much better!

PAWS2TAIL offers reasonably priced private-In-Home training sessions that will help your dog or puppy become the companion you want.
I strongly emphasize positive reinforcement in all of my sessions, from beginning puppy and family dog training. Among my specialized classes are sessions for difficult dogs in the area of aggression (dog to dog and dog to people). Here I concentrate on the reasons for your dog’s unwanted behavior and provide you with the tools to modify it.
Individualized, one on one private training sessions teach obedience exercises from the basics to the more advanced. Here you will work with me to design a program that is right for you and your dog.

For detailed information, visit my website at www.Paws2tail.com or call me at 626-290-4370

Comments are closed.