In this article, we will discuss the problems dog owners face with their dogs. Dogs love to sit on the couch and bed; dogs love chewing shoes, begging the food etc., so you should decide for yourself: whether you allow them to do it or not and strictly adhere to the chosen strategy.
A Dog is afraid of being home alone
Many dogs start barking as soon as the owner leaves the house. Such behavior is usually spread among puppies, who were first pampered with attention, and then often left alone. It is necessary to become accustomed to loneliness gradually. For example, you can close the puppy in the room where his place and toys are, then start gradually increasing the time.
When your pet starts whining in the room, do not run to it at the first call. The four-legged are such manipulators! Some several exercises and games can help your animal cope with loneliness. For example, you can hide sweets in some toys, and your pet will be keen on finding them. This is a very energy-consuming activity, after which the dog will most likely rest. Also, when leaving home, you can create the illusion that someone is in the apartment – leave the TV on.
Urinating furniture
First, you need to check the animal at the veterinarian for the presence of diseases of the genitourinary system. Also, be sure to consider these recommendations from thepets.net and make a DNA test just when you get the dog. Many of the DNA tests also offer to provide information about genetic risks for potential health problems. This could be helpful for dog owners because some breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions.
The reason for such a behavior can be precisely in discomfort and pain. If the health is in order, increase the frequency and duration of walks. And do not just walk, but keep the pet with various exercises and games. At home, fence off the part of the room where the animal will rest after walking. It would be best to put a soft lounger, a bowl of water, and personal chewing toys. It would help if you did not scold for toilet affairs in the house but praise those made on the street or in a specially designated place.
It protests against bathing
Not only small dogs can be afraid of hygiene procedures, but also Shepherds or Rottweilers. Therefore, approach the questions of cleaning the dog very carefully. It is best to bathe your pet for the first time at home, encouraging it with treats. Of course, you can go to the groomer. But be ready that he will not allow you to present during the procedure since dogs are easily distracted by their owners, start fussing, twitching. And it is hard for the master to work.
If you want to dry the coat with a hairdryer after bathing, gradually accustom the dog to its sound. Turn on the equipment at first, not at full power. Let the pet get used to it. Bring the hairdryer to the fur carefully. You can turn this process into a game.
Does not want to come home from a walk
If you do not have contact with the dog, this problem will haunt you constantly. During the walk, the owner must entertain his animal, and if the dog has a choice – to run with other dogs or be with the owner, the dog must always choose the owner. If this is not the case, then it is not interested in you. Entice the dog with a ball game or hauling a stick, rope, or something else. Always have something tasty in your pocket to treat your dog when it comes to you.
Begging the food
As soon as you sit down at the table, your little friend is already mincing into the kitchen and looking at you with hungry eyes! This happens even if you recently fed him. It can also do the same on the street when seeing people eating something.
“Begging is more connected with the psychology of the owner,” says a veterinarian from Oakland veterinary referral services. – You can close the kitchen door while eating or not pay attention to the dog. It will not hurt anyone, especially if you know for sure the dog is not hungry”.
Here are a few suggestions for curbing the begging.
- Teach them the “place” command — This command teaches your pet to find their place, such as a cushion, spot on the floor, or dog bed. When you are preparing dinner or eating, tell them to find their spot or place. The first few times you teach this command, you will have to go with them on a leash to their spot physically. If they refuse to stay, take them to a separate room, then try again later. Tell them to find their place and give them a small treat (not a table scrap) when they go to it. You may need to crate your dog if they can’t get the hang of staying in their spot as you gradually introduce the training.
- Occupy your pet — If your dog has a favorite chew toy or a challenging game that takes them time to figure out, this is a good solution during dinner. A frozen Kong toy or something similar can be made low-calorie using mashed banana or sweet potato puree. Your dog will love to have their own special treat while everyone is eating.
- Ignore the begging — It may be hard to do at first to avoid those big, doleful eyes, but you are encouraging the begging behavior by paying attention to your dog. If you look at your dog while you are eating, they will naturally expect to get something.
A dog looks into the trash can and walks in the mud
Finding food and masking your smell is an instinctive behavior. There is nothing wrong with that. If your dog gets dirty, just wash it at home. Do not yell or scold your dog.
If you do not want your pet to climb the trash cans, give him a similar pleasure at home. No, you do not need to leave the trash can open! There are special search games and various toys where the treat is hidden, and the dog needs to get it to search for food. There are interactive educational toys when the pet has to think.
Chews on shoes, toys, books
So the dog shows that he lacks attention and tries to attract him to himself. Swearing will not help here. It would help if you walked more with your pet to get exhausted during a walk and sleep at home without hind legs. No time for long walks – play with him at home. And put your favorite things away, just in case.
If you are raising a puppy, then the reason for this behavior may be commonplace: the dog’s teeth are teething. Buy him special toys and teething items.
Jumps at you and guests
For some, this may not be a problem. When dogs jump on you, they express joy. But if this is a problem, teach the dog the commands “Sit!”, “No!”, “Place!”.
Training Secrets: Praise and Treat
Execution of commands is a whole mechanism of communication in the brain of an animal. It takes a lot of time to bring the skill to reflex. Therefore, trainers who offer to learn all the necessary commands for 25 sessions for a certain amount are unlikely to cope with the task if the group is not motley. You need to enroll in a group in which there will be dogs similar in age and breed. Teaching a puppy in a group where a three-year-old bulldog is trained is pointless.
The first one or two sessions should be conducted individually with a trainer so that the instructor can assess the behavior and condition of the animal. If the dog is calm, not tense and playful, you can go to the group. There should be no more than six dogs in it. It would be best to use soft ammunition – collars, harnesses, and long leashes (not chains and strict collars) in the classroom.
As for the tasty treats, there is a concept of “motivation”. Treat, toy, and praise are training tools. Do not be greedy: carry something tasty in your pocket. It is always pleasant to treat an animal. And, of course, praise your dog for doing the right thing.
Leave a Reply