A Well Behaved Dog

Where do dogs learn their manners? From their owners! Dogs are pack animals and it is important for a dog owner to be the pack leader.

Do you envy the dog owner whose dog follows the instruction manual? Loyally walks on their left side and stops walking when their owner stops? Sits on command?

Training requires a disciplined and patient dog owner. It is easy to cave in when your dog just wants your attention and doesn’t want to listen to your commands. Reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment. Physical punishment will make your dog afraid of you and break down the trust you are trying to establish.

Some dog trainers prefer a martingale collar. These dog collars provide the convenience of adjustable sizing with the safety of a limited range of choke collar action. The dog collar size adjusts as pressure is applied to the leash. The limited closure guarantees that the collar will not injure pets.

Using a dog leash and either a choke collar or martingale collar, command the dog to sit/stay and slackening the leash. Then command the dog to come. If the dog doesn’t come then give the lead a gentle tug while at the same time issuing the command again.

Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. When a dog hears an unfamiliar noise, sees a stranger, or hears a knock or doorbell they tend to begin barking. It is their way of communicating what they hear. Some hunting breeds like a Beagle or Terrier tend to bark more than other docile dogs.

Sometimes hand gestures or visual commands are used in the early stages of dog training. When you are in a dog park and there is a lot of noise and distractions, a visual command is extremely effective. For example the universal hand signal for the come command is to fully outstretch your arms horizontally on each side then bring, them to meet in front of your stomach.

Speak your dog’s language. Whether it is through hand gestures or verbal commands, a dog is eager to please their owner. Being praised and rewarded when they behave appropriately is part of the consistency of dog training.

Joanne Gallagher is a specialist in dog training and suggests visiting Jake’s Dog Housefor tasty dog treats to reinforce your dogs good behavior.


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This entry was posted on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 2:11 pm and is filed under pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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