You are viewing entries tagged 'behavior'.
|
|
This week, all of our daily tips will be about fantastic books written to help owners of fearful dogs better understand and help their dog to overcome his fears. Nicole Wilde’s seminal book is what I call “the bible of fearful dog books.” At 432 pages, it’s a long read, but it goes into more depth on specific treatment plans, types of fears, and holistic and conventional health aids for fearful dogs than any book on the market. A must-read for professionals who work with fearful dogs and pet owners of fearful dogs!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
|
|
|
Behavior problems like house soiling, aggression, and even hyperactivity often have medical contributing factors. Poor diet can contribute to heightened stress, disinterest in food as reinforcement in training, over-arousal, effect serotonin re-uptake, not to mention contributing to health problems. Pain is a frequent cause of aggression: if your dog is suffering from intense arthritis, she may be more likely to snap at or even bite a child who accidentally tramples a paw. When seeking assistance for a behavior problem, your trainer will likely work closely with your veterinarian – behavioral and physical wellness are intertwined!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
|
|
The politics of dog training can sometimes overwhelm pet owners who are simply looking to promote good behavior in their pet/s. All pet owners really only need to know one simple thing: dogs do what works, what’s fun, and what makes them feel good. So instead of worrying about being a “pack leader,” concentrate on being a “snack leader.” Dogs will happily work for individuals who control access to resources (food, play, preferred resting areas, walks, etc.) without confrontation.
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
|
|
|
When getting a second dog, should it be female if your current dog is a male and vice-versa? Generally speaking, grown dogs do better with a newcomer of the other sex, but there are many exceptions to this rule. In fact, two males can live very happily together – while two females might be at each others’ throats nonstop. Much of it depends on how you handle moments of tension between them. If you are clearly the head of the household, then neither of them is going to feel the need to be in charge.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
|
|
If you can use a few pointers (or more) to help fine-tune your dog’s manners, get online. Find expert training tips free of charge with the Virtual Pet Behaviorist, the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s interactive online behavior library. Developed and maintained by a team of experienced behaviorists and trainers, it offers a wealth of knowledge, including 150 downloadable articles on training, behavior modification, enrichment, and more. Topics range from behavior problems like food guarding, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, and housetraining to teaching tricks and tips for bringing home a new pet.
Woof Report is a free weekly email newsletter with pup-perfect dog care tips, news, products and more. Sign up at www.WoofReport.com. |
|
|
Dogs know approximately 9,456,321 ways to get in trouble. It takes a lot of work to punish your dog every time he engaged in any of these behaviors. The truth is, it’s far easier to teach your dog what you want him to do than to avoid doing the things you dislike. Think in terms of solutions: what do you want your dog to do instead? Think of a behavior that is mutually incompatible with the current unwanted behavior. If your dog is a jumper, you may want him to sit to greet people instead; it’s easier to teach him to sit than it is to teach him “don’t jump.” My previous Saint was a leg humper and would mount people’s legs if they tried to hug – I taught him to go lie down on a bed when people hugged, because he can’t be relaxing on a mat and humping at the same time. Your dog will happily do the right thing, once you teach him what that is!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
|
|
|
The first step in solving any behavior problem is to identify the opportunities a dog has to rehearse the unwanted behavior and select management tools (like leashes, crates, gates and tethers) to prevent him from rehearsing it until new, desirable behaviors are taught. If your dog is a counter-surfer, management will include keeping your counters free of tempting items when you are not able to supervise your dog. If your dog is a habitual jumper, management may involve keeping your dog leashed or behind a gate while guests enter your home during the training period. For puppies that are still learning appropriate elimination behaviors, management means crating or tethering the puppy at all times. Dogs, like everyone, get better at behaviors they practice. Preventing your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviors will help set him up for success!
Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
|
|
|
Avoid crowds when walking a dog that is fearful or can be aggressive. If your dog gets stressed when walking in crowded areas, then avoid putting him or her in those situations. Choose quieter environments to enjoy the outside world for dogs whose buttons get pushed by too much sensory input.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
|
|
|
If a dog is lying across a doorway he is claiming that passageway as his own. In a dog pack situation, lower-ranked dogs will not try to walk through that opening until the dog moves; if a person steps over the dog and he puts out his leg as if to trip them (which two of my dogs have done, incidentally), I take that as a sign of a good sense of humor! However, with an overly assertive dog, the human is supposed to make the dog stand up and let the person pass, which will show that the human is the true alpha in the pack.
Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter and be sure to check out her website. |
|
|
Whole industries have adjusted their policies as hotels and retailers realize that being dog-friendly is good for business. There are now websites that specialize in helping traveling dog owners find comfortable places to stay such as PetsWelcome.com. Mainstream publications such as Travel & Leisure now publish a periodic pet travel-related column. The more recent phenomenon of the open-air “lifestyle” shopping center has also helped raise awareness of the commercial benefits of allowing pets. As dog owners, we need to make sure that our dogs are on their best behavior when in public. It goes without saying that dogs must be leashed and properly trained to help prevent potty accidents and incidents with other dogs. Good behavior will help open the “doggy door” at new places in the future.
Hope Hesano tweet informative information the Fido Dog Treats Twitter feed |
