You are viewing entries tagged 'instinct'.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Blind dogs do fine as long as you manage their environment. If you have a blind dog, the best way to ensure her quality of life is to keep the furniture in the same place so she can memorize where it is. Take care not to not move her food and water bowls as well. Also, keep any clutter off the floor that might confuse her if she stumbles on it.
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. |
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Get a hot water bottle or a microwaveable hot pack that you can wrap in a towel and put it into the crate with your puppy at night, to soothe him during the first week that he is away from his mother and the rest of the litter.
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. |
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A dog’s nose is at least 10,000 times sharper than a human’s. That means when you come home from the dinner party with the cute Bichon or back from a walk where you pet a comely Sharpei, your dog knows about it. It’s very rare to see a dog who does not notice – if he’s turned away, he’s probably admonishing you silently.
This phenomenon is not a big deal unless your dog reacts aggressively. In this case, it is important to nip this in the bud by redirecting your dog’s attention when you come in the door with treats or a toy. Be firm if he does continue to growl or posture and work on it until it is resolved. Most likely, your dog will smell you all over, give you a reprimanding look and go to the kitchen for some food.
Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
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If ice gets between your dog’s paw pads after a winter walk, you might have to melt it. Place the foot in a bath of warm water (which also removes any salt if you’re in an urban environment) and dry it thoroughly afterwards. If warm water won’t do it, a hairdryer on the lowest setting is the best way to melt ice that may have caked between your dog’s pads or toes.
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. |
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Whether it is to discourage something the dog is starting to do – like “Noooo” (which can even work once the behavior has started) and also a long drawn-out sound to be soothing and encouraging, for example “Goood girl” when the vet is examining her.
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. |
