The Lonely Dog - The Root of Many Dog Behavior Challenges
The Lonely Dog - The Root of Many Dog Behavior Challenges
They need to spend time with their people.People have busy schedules: jobs, school, dentist appointments, groceries to keep us (including the dog) fed, time out with friends and co-workers.These commitments make it sometimes difficult to give your dog the companionship he desires and needs to be a well-adjusted dog.In addition to our time commitments, we also often bring home stress, which also makes the dog feel stressed.A lonely and/or stressed dog often manifests this distress in undesirable manners, such as furniture chewing, coprophagia (eating feces), jumping, garbage foraging, digging, aggressive behavior and other willful disobedience.
Making time for your dog is not always easy.However, it is a very proactive step in keeping bad or incorrigible behavior to a minimum.It doesn't need to be difficult; it can be done with only a few small changes.Here are a few suggestions:
Bring your dog with you. When you are running quick errands, take your dog with you.Even if she stays in the car, it is an opportunity to see and smell something new, from a different vantage point.Simple excitement.Don't do this if you are going to be leaving her in the car for longer than twenty minutes on a cool day and five on a warm day (leave the windows conservatively cracked).But quick errands provide near effortless excitement for your dog.
Invite your dog into your bedroom. You don't have to allow her onto the bed.She can sleep on her own bed either in the corner of the room or next to your bed (most dogs like to sleep with something at their backs.This is a simple and effective way to spend "down-time" with your dog.Dogs are hard-wired to sleep with their pack.It provides them with feelings of togetherness and safety.By allowing your dog into your room, you're creating a close bond with your dog.
Spend time doing mutually-enjoyable activities. Walking the dog becomes a chore when it's boring, so enjoy yourself!If you are enjoying yourself, then you will be more likely to give your dog the exercise that she craves and deserves.Don't limit yourself to the same walk around the block (park or neighborhood).Go somewhere new.Drive to a dog park, or take a walk around that lake across town or on your walking mall (as long as you're following the rules of your town).Dogs generally need at least an hour of exercise a day, which, of course, varies slightly between breeds; estimate higher for medium to big dogs and working breeds, and lower for smaller dogs and toy breeds.If this becomes an enjoyable activity for you and your dog, it can create a very strong bond between you.
Perfect the Art of Multitasking! Pay attention to your dog while doing other things.If you're cooking, practice new training concepts with your dog in between tasks.While watching television, rub her tummy or groom her.If you're playing with your children, play tug of war with your puppy too, teaching her how to play gently.
If you live in a multi-person house, share the responsibility. If there are children in the house, include them in the dog training.This helps teach your dog her place in the "Pack" and helps teach your children how to be around dogs (responsibility, exercise, etc. the list goes on and on.)Just make sure that you aren't having them do anything together that one or the other isn't ready for.Nothing in a kid's life is quite like being dragged all over the block by an over-enthusiastic husky.It's just not pleasant for either one of them.
If you are thinking about getting a dog, do some research. If you are a busy person who isn't home most of the time, as pretty as that Labrador is, he might not be the ideal dog for you.
A little forethought and effort can go a long way to having a pleasant, trouble-free relationship with your dog.Be creative and have fun!
For more information on responsible dog ownership, including detailed advice for handling and preventing problem behaviors, step-by-step how-tos for obedience work and tricks, and an in-depth look at canine psychology and communication, check out Secrets to Dog Training. It's the ultimate resource for dog owners! Visit the site by clicking on the link below:
http://www.obediencetrainingfordogshq.com
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