Behavior is learned from everyday family interaction...
An ounce of prevention they say can prevent future problems. And so it is with our pets. Our everyday actions with our dogs speak volumes of how our they interpret not only their position in the family but their relationship and response to us. Being a good parent takes patience, consistency, the ability to set and enforce limits, to acknowledge and reinforce good behavior, and to create future learning opportunities for continued growth of the child, or pet. That's why it is essential to have a game plan that includes all family members before your pet arrives home addressing common behavior problems which may include housebreaking, sleeping arrangements, socialization, mouthing/jumping and other behaviors.
1. Sleeping beauties need their own special place...
Whether your dog sleeps in a crate or bed it is important to restrict his ability to roam unless you are watching him. Why? He will either sneak off and hide a present for you in your dining room, chew your antique leather books or possibly even eat the heads off of your American Girl dolls! Crates are a great idea for training since they provide your dog with a den-like environment that is private and comfortable. For puppies that are not housebroken a simple towel rather than a fluffy beg will be easier to just toss in the laundry if there are mistakes. If you have adopted an adult dog that perhaps does not like the crate you may instead use gates to restrict roaming opportunities and provide a comfy bed. Decide if you want your dog to share your room (mine are crated in my bedroom) or in another room. I wouldn't consider having a dog in a human bed until they have proven they are housebroken and have earned the right to sleep there through behavior including getting off when asked. And remember crates are not meant to be prisons. Provide amble mental stimulation, play and exercise for your puppy to thrive.
2. Bells for the Bathroom Business...
The trick to housebreaking is to provide ample opportunities for relief outdoors and to add an additional five minutes after, so Fido does not think that going potty is the end of fun outdoors. Otherwise they will hold it and decorate your floor once inside. Using Poochie Bells on a door and ringing them when opening the door to go out is the first step in teaching your dog to let you know he needs to go out. Dogs are more likely to go potty after sleeping, eating, playing and bathing so it is a wise precaution to simply take them out or be observant after these activities. Usually I suggest putting the dog on the leash firs, getting the business done (say "go potty" and reward with a treat and praise) and then let them have some play time and exercise. If your puppy has not received all of his vaccinations follow your vet's advice as to where he should eliminate.
3. Socialization is exposing your dog to new things in their environment without creating overwhelming stress...
If your puppy has not received all of his shots yet you can still have a fun time socializing him in safe settings like your home. Normal environmental noise and the occasional clang of a pot or pan will get your dog accustomed to his new home. And you can download the Dog Teaser App for the iPhone or iPad to simulate the sounds of police sirens, thunder and babies crying, to name a few. And with Super Bowl coming why not have your own Puppy Bowl by having all of your guests say hello to your new pet and sharing appropriate dog treats for good behavior. For adult dogs if there is noise sensitivity or reactivity resulting in anxiety and fear it is best to call in professional help from a certified CPDT like myself or a veterinarian with a specialty in behavior. In this case counter-conditioning and patience may be the solution.
4. Jumping and Mouthing
Many adult dogs that jump were once cute puppies that were allowed to climb and jump before they grew big and it became intolerable. Prevent jumping by not acknowledging your puppy when he climbs up your leg. Look the other way and pretend he is invisible, get up and walk away, and when you see "four on the floor" then you praise him. Try this-when your dog jumps up bring your arms in folded and turn away. When there are four paws on the floor face him once again. Repeat and reward good behavior with your attention and praise. Ah yes...this is the part where that patience and prevention comes in. Another way to prevent jumping is to have cookies ready at the door and ask for a SIT and treat in the entrance area. Mouthing in young puppies often happens when they are forced to leave their litters too early and they have not learned to control their bite inhibition. If this happens with your puppy be sure to provide plenty of alternatives to your skin such as a Kong with frozen peanut butter or a frozen Chilly Bone (r) or other appropriate chew toy. If you feel any teeth on you say OUCH! in an alarmed voice and stop playing with your puppy, then substitute an appropriate toy for chewing. Getting new little teeth can hurt. And NEVER EVER let your dog bite hair or clothing as without having nerve cells there your dog will never learn that biting hurts people. Bitter Apple is also a great discouragement for most dogs and can be applied liberally to hands and pant legs.
5. The Golden Rule of Parenthood and Training:
All Rewards Must Be Earned...
One of the biggest fallacies of positive and kind training is that it is only about giving your dog food. Not true. Kind rewards include, petting, praise and attention, privileges, play, food, and freedom. But none of these should be just given out without having your dog first say his version of "please" which is earning it. A simple SIT, DOWN, TOUCH, WAIT, a TRICK. These are all great ways of earning a reward. By following these guidelines you will avoid having "that" dog that barks in his owners faces and paws at their guests. They know that whatever they get will have to be earned. And they are respectful as a result.
A final word...exercise and good behavior
We need exercise and so do our dogs. It is for not only physical fitness but also for mental health as well. Why not make you New Year's fitness resolutions to spend time with your new four-legged family member? And when setting those goals imagine what you could accomplish together such as training to help others through pet therapy. The future is yours!
Get your dog off the couch and join us!
Free pack walks, training videos on You Tube and more!
www.caninescando.com
"Like" us on Facebook! email: caninescando@me.com
Dorice Stancher, MBA, CPDT is an Internationally Titled and Nationally Certified Dog Trainer and a member of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. She surfs, skis, kayaks, paddle boards, has titled in sheepherding and especially enjoys doing therapy visits throughout Bergen County with The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.
Copyright(c)2013; Dorice Stancher; Canines Can Do, llc. All rights reserved. May not be re-printed without author's consent.
