DO’S and DONT’S of owning a dog with behaviour problems
Jumping up
Don’t allow the dog to jump on anyone unless you have asked him/her to do so, for example…teaching a dog recall, some trainers prefer the dog to jump up so they are close and can be put on the lead which is fine. If the dog jumps up without permission, push the dog away from the side of neck, sideways. If you push forward, its a game of wills and strength.
Feeding
Only feed your dog after you have eaten. If the dog does not want the dinner, pick it up immediately and do not give it back until the following day. The dog will soon learn! Dogs are used to being fed after a walk (hunt in their eyes) and if you feed the dog before a walk they have not achieved their goal and know they will have food for free, they have to earn it. You as the pack leader must always eat first, even if you pretend your eating its worth it.
Play Biting
Any play biting is not to be tolerated, this will lead to a huge problem later on. Even if the play biting is gentle, shout ‘Owww’ as loudly and as dramatic as possible and say no and walk away.
Doors
Do not allow the dog to go through the door before you. If the dog does…move him back into the room and do it again, otherwise the dog thinks he/she is the leader and always goes first. Never allow this, even if it takes you ten goes, it will pay off in the end and it teaches your dog not to run through an open door and maybe into traffic.
Furniture
By no means am i opposed to dogs on a sofa, however they get on the sofa when you want, not when they do. If you have visitors and they jump on whenever they feel the need, this will cause problems. If the dog jumps on the sofa without your agreement, take them off immediately. Only allow it when you ask them to. If you allow them to stay on the sofa just once and you didn’t agree to it, you have to start the training all over again…never give in.
Unacceptable behaviour (growling etc)
Never tolerate this. Its a sign of dominance generally and if you allow this to happen and the dog bites, who is to blame…you or the dog? If the dog knows its not tolerated, it will cease. You must start this practice early in the puppy stage, teaching an adult dog not to bite is a lot more difficult. If your dog shows any signs of aggression, please consult me immediately.
Coming home
Ignore him upon arrival, if he jumps up, gently push him away and only give him attention and say hello when he is calm. Ignore bad behaviour. No talking, no touching and no eye contact with the dog until he is calm, this is very important.
Only ask once
The dog does not respond to your first command? If you ask more than once, it has little or no value. If you ask the dog to sit (only once) and he does not, show him how to do it, rather than repeating the command again. He must learn the first request is the one that he follows.