Behavior Problems!
Ecsessive Barking:
Barking is a way of communication. Your dog is trying to get a message across to others. But some times dogs bark just to hear themselves bark, or to try and get their way. If your dog sees another dog out side or some one comes to the door, it's not nessesarily bad to let them bark once or twice. But if the barking continues, take a squirt bottle and squirt your dog, telling them in a calm voice, "no". This lets your dog know that this is not appropriate behavior. If water is uneffective, try a "shaker can". Take an empty soda can, fill it with pennies, bolts, screws or anything else that will make a loud noise. When your dog barks, throw the can in its general direction with a no. (Don't actually hit the dog, please.) This will surprise your dog. You can also try throwing a small amount of water on your dog. Bark collars and sound detectors are also effective if used properly. Ask a trainer for advise before using these.
Jumping up
Jumping up is an annoying habbit that most dogs learn. It can even be dangerous if the dog jumps on an elderly person or a small child. The dog can see this behavior as a greeting or as a display of dominace. Try to bump the dog's chest firmly but carefuly and say in a calm voice, "no". If the problem persists, you may wish to get the aid of a Training Collar. Set the dog up by making a patting motion on your chest. When the dog jumps up, give it a swift snap with the leash and collar and say "no". Do this as many times as needed until your dog does not jump up. Then be sure to praise your dog for their good desicion. You want to curb this behavior early on so that it does not progress. Let your dog know that you are in charge and will not tolerate this behavior. Please be sure to talk to a trainer about the collar's proper use.
Chewing
Chewing is normal. But if the dog chews inapropriate things, it can be stressful to the owner and confusing to the dog. Many people give their dogs raw hids, pig's ears and cow hooves. Most trainers discorage this items for several reasons. Raw hides are basicly compressed leather. Your dog cannot tell the diffrence between this and your leather sofa or good shoes. They are also cured in chemicals. Some countries care only about export and cure them in framaldihyde and even arsnic. These tocxins can build up and eventually kill your dog. Pieces of these objects can get stuck in your dog's throat or digestive track, causing blockage. Also, they are parts of animals and as such can build your dog's prey drive, causing them to be possesive and even aggressive. Some people give their dogs plush toys to play with. Dogs can't tell these from your couch, pillows or your children's stuffed toys. Also, buttons or other pices of thise toys can come off and choke your dog. Be sure to give your dog lots of appropriate things to chew. Nylabones, hard rubber balls, and KONG toys are good. Flavored Nylabone products cost less than most raw hides and last a great deal longer. Chewing can also be a result of bordom. Give your dog plenty of interactive toys. Buster Cubes are great. Fill them with kibble and it will keep your dog busy for a long time. Nylabone also makes goody balls and other interactive toys. Chewing may also be caused by seperation anxity. Wear a sweat shirt in the garden or during exersise for a few days. Get a tape recording and/or a video tape with a continuous loop of you and your family talking. A family picnic or party work great. Play this during the day and give your dog the sweat shirt. Crating your dog will also help. Many people think that crating a dog is mean. But if your dog is loose in the house and chewing things, it may deside to chew an electrical cord. Your dog may then be killed. Dogs actually have no hang ups about crates. Most enjoy them. It's the owners guilt about putting the dog in a crate that the dog reads. If you are sad, your dog is sad. Remain calm and confident when putting your dog in a crate. Chewing may also be caused by a puppy teething. Just make sure to give them lots of good things to chew. Gum-a-bone is great for puppies.
Play Biting
Play biting is common in puppies, though as they grow into dogs it can get out of hand be be very painful. Dogs wish to play with humans as they would their litter mates. It is important that you show your dog early on that their teeth are never to touch human skin. If your puppy is play biting, get down on the ground on your knees or if you can't, sit on the ground with your legs spread in a V. Pull the puppy into you so that it cannot back up or move left or right. Place your strong hand under the puppy's muzzle and squeeze it closed just hard enough so that it cannot open its mouth and feels only the slightest bit of discomfort. The puppy should be able to stick its tounge out of its mouth. Keep your other hand on the puppy's neck. If needed hold the puppy by the scruff to stop wiggling. Say the word no in a soft, deep voice so that your body vibrates against the puppy. If your puppy struggles, do not let go! It is very important that your puppy not win this battle! Wait until your puppy submits. Your puppy will stop struggling and make a long slow exhailing noise. Its eyes will be soft as well. Be wairy of puppies who make a fast exhailing motion but who's eyes are darting about. When your puppy calmes down, slowly use your strong hand to stroke the puppy's muzzle saying softly "good puppy". If your puppy trys to nip at your hand again, go into the correction mode again. Do this as many times as needed, though with most puppies it only takes a few times. If your dog is play biting, hold its muzzle firmly and say no in a confident, firm voice. Also, do not let your dog struggle loose. If they win this battle, it will be harder to correct the behavior. Dogs also bite to show dominance. Basic obedance training often cures this problem.
Pawing, whining, staring
These actions are mostly a plea for attention. If your dog is whining, try using a squirt bottle and the word no. Keep in mind that some dogs don't even know that they are whining. But for those who stare at you in a begging fashion, it's most likely a plea for attention. The dog must learn that you cannot always give them attention when they'd like. Pawing and staring can also be signs of your dog trying to dominate you. You must earn your dogs respect. This can be done with training. Pawing can also be a sign of insecurity. Build your dogs confidence with training and obstacle course work. Contact a proffesional trainer for help in these areas.
Still need help?
We've just gone over some basics. Feel free to E-mail me with any questions or comments!
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