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
Enrich: Recipes for Kong Noms
It's that time of year where we at OpBarks reflect, give thanks and loosen our pants :) In the spirit of enjoying the holidays with your canine companions, here are a few recipes to keep your dogs busy and happily munching on Kongs in the midst of your travels or entertaining. Here's to a few good naps on the couch too. Kong on my friends!
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| Click here for full size recipe poster. |
2 FREE Puppy eBooks by Dr. Dunbar
Thinking about a pup or have a new pup?
Here are some books we stamped as "Certified Good Reads".
Here are some books we stamped as "Certified Good Reads".
Dr. Ian Dunbar's
BEFORE You Get Your Puppy
Even if your dog is nearing the end of puppyhood, these books can help.
In "After you Get your Puppy", Dr. Dunbar includes information about how to prepare for the turbulence of adolescence. Learn about how behavior changes as your dog grows up, so never take your friendly pup for granted. And approaching training and socialization as an ongoing process can help you create not only a behaviorally healthy pup, but a happy and well adjusted adult dog.
Dig in, share and spread the love.
Early education, training and a good understanding of what your dog needs can go a long way to create a balanced dog. If these eBooks help owners learn the basics, then we can only hope for more happy, healthy and well adjusted dogs out there. Please share this with other puppy owners, dog owners and dog pros!
Happy training, enjoy the journey and we hope you find these Ian Dunbar books an invaluable resource to help get you started on the right foot!
- Sweets & The Opportunity Barks Team
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