1. I think that dogs have a natural desire to be with us and create a trusting relationship. Dogs, anxious and nervous about leaving their owners, come to see me and I am always amazed at how quickly they look to establish a relationship with me. Dogs are honest.
2. Dogs have certain characteristics that have been established over decades of selective breeding. If you are looking for a puppy, do your research on the breed. Please do not get a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. Puppies need to be with their littermates to learn social skills that will be important as they mature. If your energy level is a 3 out of 10, do not get a puppy with a level 9. Most trainers will help clients find a suitable puppy from a quality breeder. A puppy is a huge investment in time and money, so take your time.
3. It is never too early to start training a puppy. Bad habits are learned, so train your puppy not to jump and to work for good things in life. Puppies can learn polite sits for greeting, down and their names, as young as 8 weeks. If we can get this message out, maybe we can save dogs from being placed in shelters because they are wild and out of control and no longer cute little puppies. I highly recommend puppy classes, for training and socialization, prior to six months.
4. Create a list of things that your dog finds rewarding. Does he love to play ball, a belly rub or a favorite treat? Reward the good behavior and you will get more of it. Make your dog work for the things that he loves. I always say that your dog has to work for dinner. You paid for the food and now he needs to work for it!
5. Dogs are social animals so get out each day for some sort of activity. A walk or trip in the car to the bank will do wonders for your dog and help to build that important relationship. The experiences are worth the time and will make both owner and dog just a bit more happy.
6. Dogs love owners who are clear and consistent. Please set out the rules for the house on paper and, if needed, post on the refrigerator. Rules should be the same with all family members and expectations should be clear.
7. A tired dog is a good dog. Trainers rarely get calls from people complaining that their dogs are sleeping too much. A bored dog is a destructive dog, so keep your dog busy. If your dog has to be crated for a few hours, stuff a Kong toy with kibble sealed with cream cheese or peanut butter.
8. Dogs live in the moment. They like to do things that are fun for them. The garbage seemed like the right thing (smelled good and tasted even better) while you were in the shower. Remove all temptations for new dogs in your home until you can establish rules and train that the garbage and counters are off limits. You will need to set up situations and train...be proactive and not reactive.
9. Have fun with your dog and take a class in agility, obedience or training tricks. There are so many fun things that you can do with your dogs today. Dogs are also needed in providing therapy to children and adults in hospitals, schools and nursing homes. If you are dealing with behavioral problems with your dog, call a trainer before it gets too serious.
10. Above all, I have learned that dogs are a gift to us. I think that this quote says it best. “A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.” John Grogan, Marley and Me
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