| Dog Care and Behavior |
May 17, 2007 |
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Dog Care and Behavior Teaching your dog to be a well-behaved member of your family will take time, but will be well-worth it as your dog becomes a beloved friend and companion. Dogs who are used to being chained can certainly make great house dogs, but sometimes require additional attention. Be prepared for a dog who is used to being outside to act overexcited when first coming inside the house. Don’t give up! Your dog will calm way down once he his used to being inside. He is just excited about being in a new place, with new smells and new things to experience. The most important thing to remember about dogs is that they are pack animals, genetically bred to work, play, eat, and sleep with company. You do your dog a disservice if you keep him in the backyard alone all or most of the time. A dog wants to be part of a family! Behavior Tips • BarkingChained dogs often bark out of frustration and loneliness. Just getting your dog off the chain will reduce barking. Some dogs bark more at night. Bringing your dog inside at night should stop barking entirely! Dogs who are well-exercised and happy are less likely to bark. Walk your dog and let him get to know the neighborhood so he won't feel threatened by it. A tired, happy dog will sleep instead of bark. Prevent chronic barking by teaching the word "Quiet." After your dog starts barking, startle him with a noise (like calling his name) or by tapping a treat on his nose. When he is silent, say "Quiet" and reward him. Then you can use the command "Quiet" to stop barking. • BeggingDecide at the beginning that no one will feed the dog from the table. Don't allow guests to break this rule. Feed the dog before your meal, and he won’t be hungry. • BitingEvery time puppy bites on your finger say, "Ouch"--not the way a person would say it, but the way a puppy would say it...high-pitched and loud. Puppy will think he's hurting you. Ignore the puppy for a few minutes afterward. Never grab, squeeze or pop them on the nose. This will escalate the behavior. • Destroying PropertyNever leave your new dog unconfined when you leave the house. You are asking for trouble if you let an untrained dog have full run of the house! A crate, playpen or small room is best. Privileges are earned and your new dog must be mature and trained enough to be responsible before you give him total freedom. Leave him with plenty of appropriate things to chew on while you are away. Provide him with soft and hard rubber chew toys, along with a tug toy or rope and chew treats. These should be readily available at all times. Stuff hollow toys with treats and food to keep their interest and teach proper chewing habits. Get your dog used to being alone so he doesn't chew out of nervousness. Gradually leave the dog alone for longer periods of time. Don't just leave; say goodbye in the same way every time. Both leaving and returning should always be low key. • DiggingProvide your dog with his own sandbox. Bury toys in it and teach him it's okay to dig in there. Protect gardens with chicken wire or plastic fencing. • Jumping On PeopleAs your dog jumps on you, either back away or turn away, saying nothing. Do this every time she jumps. Do not make any eye, voice or physical contact. This is what the dog wants from you. Only give the dog attention when all four feet are on the floor. Go online or visit your local library for information about dog training and behavior. To find information online, search for specific terms such as: dog barking, introducing new dog, dog jumping, dog aggression, etc. |
SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County © 2010
132 Joseph Martin Highway
Martinsville, VA 24112 |
Phone: 276-638-PAWS (7297)
Fax: 276-638-0490
office@spcamhc.org
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