Pet dogs are happier when you are a confident, trustworthy and safe
leader...a guide worth following! Providing structure and reasonable
social “rules” help our dogs feel secure and avoid frequent conflict. A
clear, kind relationship with your dog also makes it much easier to
successfully motivate and reinforce training. Here are a few tips on
what it takes to be a good dog leader/handler/guide/friend:
1. Act the Part
Good
leaders are calm and confident; proactive, rather than reactive.
Provide encouragement, set boundaries, model wise behavior and make
corrections into “teaching moments” that show your dog a better way. Losing your cool doesn’t advertise you as a “leader”; it makes you seem unpredictable.
2. Initiate Interactions
Invite
your dog to you by calling him to you, rather than letting him maul you
for pats. Your attention is rewarding to your dog, so provide it for
behavior you like, rather than being cajoled into giving it.
3. Teach Your Dog to Say, “Please”
Asking
your dog to do something briefly before you provide attention, food,
toys, play, walks, etc... not only encourages your dog to defer politely
to you, but also helps strengthen canine manners. Request that your
dog “Watch”, “Sit” or “Wait” before proceeding with enjoyable
activities.
4. Set Your Dog Up For Success
It isn’t fair to
expect your dog to know your “rules” unless you teach him what they
are, then consistently stick to them! Teach your rules early,
regularly, and without exception. Help him make good choices through management (like a leash or gentle collar hold when greeting visitors), then practice and reward.
5. Good Things Come From You
You buy the kibble and toys, and own the hands for belly rubbing...you’re rich with canine valuables! Be discerning, but not stingy,
in how you provide these resources. Toss that tennis ball because your
dog quickly responded to your request to “lie down”, rather than
because he’s dropped it in your lap. Be affectionate, loving and
giving, and use your riches to reinforce good behavior.
6. Get To Know Your Dog
You got a dog for companionship, right? So, really spend some time with him.
Put away your smart phone and play with your dog...every single day.
If your dog thinks fun comes only in the shape of other dogs, you've
got some relationship-building to do! Teach him how to understand your
language, but observe and learn your dog’s body language, too.
Communication is a two-way street, after all.
Leigh Siegfried, CPDT-KA and the Opportunity Barks staff make occasional posts on dog training and puppy training tips and resources, enrichment and the human-animal bond. We work with dogs and their owners in Philadelphia, Bucks County and the surrounding areas. We're certified, award-winning and Vet recommended and offer private tutoring, boarding and training programs, and group dog training classes, workshops and clinics. www.opbarks.com
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Lost Dogs- Prevention First
When a dog goes missing, it's hard to know what to do or where to start, especially in harsh conditions. This is the first in a series of lost dog recovery tips. First and foremost, we're starting with prevention. We have had at least 3 dogs that we know go missing in the last few weeks!
It's part of our commitment to pass along info that we feel will help you, especially when it's so practical and needed!
1. Get id tags on your dog! If you don't like the sound of clinking tags, get a tag silencer and you'll be set.
2. Microchip your dog.
3. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you register the chip.
4. . Regardless of what company your dog is chipped with, have a second registration with "Home Again"- they are the ONLY company that sends out an "Amber Alert" within 25 miles of your zip code when your dog goes missing and they provide pet insurance for your missing pet- should they be injured when out. Trust us, it's worth the $25.
5. In severe weather conditions- rain, snow- bump up your management- and keep your dog on a leash! Many
dogs wander off in the excitement of the snow and then many not have a clue as to where they are- especially
when you have 2 foot drifts!
6. Get a good picture of your dog, a close up! This is great to have on hand if you need to begin distributing
flyers or posters. Think ahead!
Stay safe and always keep your eyes open. You never know when a 'stray' may be a lost dog. If you have a sighting of a dog and the dog will not approach you (which is very common), post it to craigslist.com with a location and description- it just may reunite a lost pet with a heartbroken owner!
It's part of our commitment to pass along info that we feel will help you, especially when it's so practical and needed!
1. Get id tags on your dog! If you don't like the sound of clinking tags, get a tag silencer and you'll be set.
2. Microchip your dog.
3. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you register the chip.
4. . Regardless of what company your dog is chipped with, have a second registration with "Home Again"- they are the ONLY company that sends out an "Amber Alert" within 25 miles of your zip code when your dog goes missing and they provide pet insurance for your missing pet- should they be injured when out. Trust us, it's worth the $25.
5. In severe weather conditions- rain, snow- bump up your management- and keep your dog on a leash! Many
dogs wander off in the excitement of the snow and then many not have a clue as to where they are- especially
when you have 2 foot drifts!
6. Get a good picture of your dog, a close up! This is great to have on hand if you need to begin distributing
flyers or posters. Think ahead!
Stay safe and always keep your eyes open. You never know when a 'stray' may be a lost dog. If you have a sighting of a dog and the dog will not approach you (which is very common), post it to craigslist.com with a location and description- it just may reunite a lost pet with a heartbroken owner!
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