Canine Behavioral Issues That Can Drive Owners Crazy

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can enjoy. The bond between owner and pet grows over the course of years, and strengthens with time. Many owners even consider their canines to be an extension of their family. And those who remain single find a lasting companionship with their pooch that is irreplaceable.

Having said that, dogs can develop behavioral tendencies that drive their owners crazy. It's worth noting that nearly all such issues can be resolved through desensitization training and positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviors. In this article, we'll provide an overview of 4 common canine problems that can leave you growling in frustration.

Tip 1 - Digging

Your pooch might start digging for many reasons. Boredom can leave him looking for ways to entertain himself. The bugs and roots he can uncover by digging up the soil provide him with entertainment. He might also dig if the weather is making him hot and he lacks shade. The uncovered soil feels cool and relaxing to him. And of course, he might dig in order to hide bones and other possessions.

Tip 2 - Soiling

Puppies will urinate and defecate in inappropriate places until they are properly housebroken. That is expected. However, older dogs will occasionally do the same, even after having been successfully housebroken in the past. Sometimes, they do it as a result of feeling anxious. Other times, it's to mark territory (acceptable when done outside). Still other times, adult canines do it as a submissive trait.

Tip3 - Jumping On People

Jumping is often misinterpreted by owners as an excited greeting their dogs give them. In reality, it can also be an act of dominance.

When your canine was a puppy, he likely jumped on his littermates and mother until they taught him that doing so was unacceptable. If you adopt your dog a few weeks after he is born and fail to curb the behavior, it can become problematic. If you do not take steps to modify his behavior, he might gradually infer that his place in the pack (i.e. your household) is the same as your own. That makes curbing his jumping even more difficult.

Tip 4 - Excessive Barking

Every dog barks. Besides whining or howling, it's the only way they can audibly communicate their thoughts to those around them. However, if barking becomes excessive, it can turn into a problem - for you and your neighbors.

It's important to understand the reasons your canine barks. He might do it to warn intruders away from his territory. He might do it to get your attention. He might also bark simply because he's bored; barking gives him something to do. While it can be nerve-wracking, excessive barking can be resolved with training and patience.

The companionship you enjoy from your dog will last throughout his life. Even though he may develop behavioral issues that can drive you crazy, those behaviors can be modified with the right approach. And that keeps the friendship you share with one another alive.

About the Author:
Give your dog the best all natural dog treats and chews from http://bestbullysticks.com. by Lawrence Reaves

Keyword tags: pets, dogs, dog, dog behavior, excessive barking, jumping, digging, soiling,

Things to Do When Your Canine Suffers From Separation Anxiety

Most canines hate to see their owners leave them. They would rather know their owners are nearby and able to address their needs (i.e. for food, attention, etc.) whenever necessary. In some cases, dogs will become extremely anxious when left alone or separated from their owners. This is known as separation anxiety (SA).

The behavior can manifest in various ways, which often makes it difficult to recognize. If the behavior is not properly identified, it cannot be shaped or modified. Sadly, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons people abandon their canines.

In this article, we'll describe several signs that suggest your pooch is having trouble coping with being left alone. We'll also explore the reasons behind the behavior and provide a few tips for modifying it.

Identifying The Signs

Every canine is different and the extent to which they suffer from SA will vary. Your pooch might become increasingly agitated the longer he is left alone. Once you leave him, he may begin pacing back and forth, drooling, barking, and even howling. If he grows more anxious, he might start chewing your furniture, or destroying things around your house. In severe cases, your dog might begin to urinate or defecate in your home.

There are a few telltale signs that imply your canine is becoming anxious when he is separated from you. For example, you might notice him following you around the house. That's his way of making sure you're still nearby. He may periodically check whether you're home before returning to his toys or food. Another indication is that your pooch becomes frantic when you prepare to leave him.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

There are several possible reasons why a dog may become especially anxious when his owner leaves him. For example, if he has been abused by his previous owner, or has been adopted by a series of different people, he may feel insecure with his position. That is, because he has been abandoned in the past, a canine might fear his owner will fail to return for him.

Separation anxiety can also manifest if your dog has never enjoyed interaction with other people. Left alone, he may become worried that he has lost your companionship.

Tips For Modifying The Behavior

It's worth emphasizing that anything your pooch does as the result of becoming anxious is not meant to "get back" at you for leaving him. Avoid punishing him. Instead, take positive steps to gradually shape his behavior.

For example, give him a treat when he is calm. If he shows too much excitement when you return home, say "relax" and provide a treat when he calms himself. You can also desensitize your canine to the routine you normally go through before leaving your house. For instance, put on your shoes a half hour before departing. You should also downplay your leaving; ignore your dog 10 to 20 minutes before departing.

The key thing to remember is that the signs associated with separation anxiety (i.e. barking, urinating, etc.) are not done in anger or aggression. Take a supportive, positive approach to slowly eliminate your canine's concern.

About the Author:
Give your dog the best all natural dog treats and chews from http://bestbullysticks.com Author Lawrence Reaves

Keyword tags: pets, dogs, pet anxiety, seperation anxiety, dog behavior

Several Valuable Tips For Dealing With a Begging Dog

Canines learn to beg largely because of the success they've enjoyed while doing it in the past. Owners often encourage the behavior unwittingly. Sometimes, they'll give in when their pet looks longingly at their plate during dinnertime. Other times, owners actively train their dogs to beg for food because they think it's cute. The problem is, doing so reinforces the behavior.

If your pooch is begging to the point that he is beginning to make a nuisance of himself, it is important that you take steps the curb the habit. If you don't, he may become more aggressive in his approach. A subtle whine and nudge on your leg might evolve into barking and pawing.

Below, we'll offer several tips you can use to motivate your canine to stop begging. You'll notice that none of the following suggestions use punishment as a training tool. Instead, the most effective way to modify unacceptable behaviors is to use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.

Tip 1 - Stop Providing Table Scraps

Consistency is the most important factor when trying to modify any habit in your pooch. To that end, you cannot hope to curb his begging if you reinforce that the behavior is successful. Stop giving him table scraps. If you have friends over for meals, let them know that they too, must not provide your dog with table scraps.

Tip 2 - Establish A Scheduled Mealtime

If you're giving your canine two meals each day, serve them according to an established schedule. If possible, give him his evening meal at the same time you and your family eat dinner (preferably in a different room). Not only will doing so keep him occupied while you're eating, but he'll learn that his food comes at specific times. That creates a disconnect between his meals and your own.

Tip 3 - Train Him To Wait

Throughout the day, take one of your canine's favorite food treats, make sure he knows you have it, and hold it in your hand. If he is accustomed to begging, he will begin to do so. Do not give him the treat until he has calmed himself. Wait until he has sat down and stopped whining or barking. Once he has become calm, lower your hand and praise him while he takes the treat.

This process trains your dog to display patience and proper manners. Just as important, he will learn that begging does not yield the results he wants.

Tip 4 - Do Not Give In

One of the worst things you can do while proactively trying to curb your dog's begging is to give in to the behavior. Many owners rationalize conceding table scraps and other food "just this once" when their canines start to beg. Unfortunately, doing so nullifies all of the behavioral modification training that has taken place to that point. Stick to your guns and realize that the training is, in some ways, a test of wills. Moreover, giving in makes the task more difficult in the future.

Dogs beg because they learn that doing so produces results. Use the suggestions above to gradually shape your pooch's behavior into something you find more acceptable.

About the Author:
Give your dog the best all natural dog treats and chews from http://bestbullysticks.com Author Lawrence Reaves

Keyword tags: begging dogs, when your dog begs, training dogs, dog training

Dog Training Advice: A Few Things to Remember

When getting a new dog or puppy, you may not have even thought about getting dog training advice. However, I am sure that quickly changed after a few "accidents" or unruly behavior from your new pup. So here are some tips to get you started on the right foot.

Establish Yourself as the Pack Leader

Dogs are born with a "pack" mentality. In order to have control of your dog, you must establish yourself as the leader. This doesn't mean that you can't love on your dog - quite the contrary - but you must take a parental role and set boundaries with your pet. A dog who knows he can trust his owner will be a more secure pet.

Patience

Teaching your dog all the rules will take time. Housebreaking, chewing, and what furniture is acceptable will be learned over time, not just a few days. Use patience when working with your dog. This dog training advice will help you stay focused when you come home and things aren't going as planned!

POPULAR TRAINING TECHNIQUES

Clicker Training

Clicker training is based on the humane training for conditioning your dog's response. How does clicker training work? It's simple.

By using a clicker, the dog is guided towards the desired behavior. When the dog does what the owner requests (such as "sit"), the owner then uses a noise maker that "clicks" and rewards the dog immediately.

This positive reinforcement is good for both the owner and the dog - the secret of this training advice is that it actually requires the owner to pay attention to the dog, and the reward system creates loyalty.

Crate Training

Crate training has been debated in usefulness over the years, but this popular form of training dogs is very effective. Crate training a dog appeals to their natural instinct as a den animal. It provides a place for your dog to retreat when the house become rowdy, when you eat, or to keep him out of trouble when you are away.

Training advice for crates: make sure to pick the right size for your puppy or dog. Your dog should be able to stand, stretch and turn around in a standing and laying position. With the right size crate, your dog will feel secure but not confined, and it will eliminate a lot of misbehavior.

Never use a crate as a punishment. Let your dog go in and play with toys, a blanket and a bone. Many dogs will voluntarily enter their crate if the door is left open.

Remember - owning a dog is a lifetime commitment. You will need to seek out dog training advice from a professional if you are having any problems you can't deal with yourself. Dogs read body language and understand things differently than you might be trying to communicate with them.

Some dogs will pick things up quickly, while others will be stubborn and test you to find out how serious you are. Don't get discouraged if you have a high maintenance dog - once he has learned his boundaries, you will enjoy your relationship.

Prevention of problems is the best dog training advice there is, but you can always remediate if things have gotten out of hand with your dog. Just use time, patience and consistency and you will see results.

About the Author:
Chris Alexander is the publisher of http://DogTrainingCoursesReport.com, a website that helps users research popular dog training courses by providing unbiased facts and user experiences.

Keyword tags: dog training

House Training a Dog: 3 Keys to Success

When you first brought your cute cuddly puppy home house training a dog was probably not high on your priority list. You likely were too engrossed in how cute the puppy was and how much he already seemed to love you and your family.

The day wears on and he is an absolute joy bounding around the house. You are so happy that you finally decided to get a pet. Isn't he the cutest thing in the world? Then disaster strikes right there on the living room carpet!

Before long, there have been several "accidents" and you are headed straight for the internet. You type in Google and then search the World Wide Web for "house training a dog"!

Here are three helpful tips you can use to house train your dog so that you can enjoy your new pet and not have to replace the carpet in a few weeks.

Generous Reward

The natural reaction to your new puppy when he leaves gifts all over the house is to punish him. Particularly when these are repeated offenses. Haven't you already told him several times not to potty in the house! (Impatience is truly a human trait) Just remember do not punish the dog. You will get much further if you will reward the good behavior instead of punishing the bad when house training a dog.

You will have a better relationship with your puppy and he will be more content as well.
Go over the top with your praise and rewards; do not just give him a treat. When you make a big fuss, you thoroughly associate the correct behavior with the praise and reward.

It is in the dog's nature to want to please you. Most of the time they will do whatever it takes to garner your praise and attention. Some possible rewards include speaking to him in an excited voice, clapping your hands or a tasty treat. Do anything that communicates to your dog that you are pleased with him.

Command Words

You must use command words when training. Good communication is crucial to successful training and you must talk to him in a way he understands.

The human language is beyond a dog's comprehension. Nevertheless, they do understand when words are associated with actions. For example, if you consistently use the words go potty and then escort them to a potty area they learn that you want them to go potty.

The trick here is associating the same words with the same action every time. What phrase you choose is not nearly as important as the words being connection to the action. In fact, you could say "Red baby buggy bumpers" and use it consistently with a specific action, over time you would get that action every time you said the words. You probably do not want to use a tongue twister during your dog training, but you get the point.

Consistency

When house training a dog you will soon learn that one thing is vitally important, and that is to be consistent. This should be foremost in your mind.

Dogs are like people in that they are creatures of habit. This means that when you begin training your puppy you must conduct your training in the same manner every time. Use the same exact command words with the same action. You will confuse your pet and interrupt your progress by not doing so.

In addition to using the same words and actions, you need to use the same location. Do not leave room for interpretation on the part of your dog about where it is acceptable to use the bathroom. Moreover, make sure you reward your dog as soon as he has finished his business. The reward will then always be associated with the last action performed.

About the Author:
Chris Alexander is the publisher of http://DogTrainingCoursesReport.com, a website that helps users research popular dog training courses by providing unbiased facts and user experiences.

Keyword tags: dog training, house training

Dog Training Advice-What Should You Believe?

Dog training advice you get from friends and neighbors is usually about as useless as an ashtray on a motorcycle. In fact, even the dog training advice you read in dog training books written by so called experts seems to conflict. So, what should you believe when after all is said and done, you feel more confused than ever?

Well, use your common sense. The dog world is a funny place for the uninitiated dog owner trying to find his way through the maze of egos and insecurity so often displayed by those who are supposedly in the know. Stick with the basics and don't let yourself get caught up in all the hair-brained, psychobabble that makes you start to wonder if you're being a horrible dog owner.

These are the simple facts folks. They're undeniable and have been for thousands of years.

Dogs learn through association and repetition.

Dogs want to have fun, even if it's at your expense.

Dogs don't run toward unpleasant experiences.

Dog's have and always will adapt to changing environments.

Dogs develop strategies to get what they want.

Closer examination:

If you associate an environmental event like a command to an action, your dog will understand what the command means. When you repeat the association, your dog will become conditioned to respond like you want him to respond.

You dog's no different than us in that he just wants to have fun. He isn't thinking about how much your shoes cost you when he's chewing on them. He's thinking about the fact that it's pretty fun to tear little pieces off one at a time and spit them out all over the rug.

Dogs don't do things that aren't fun. That's why they don't run into trees head first, step into boiling, sulfur hot springs or watch "Days of Our Lives." They have continued to exist because they are intelligent enough to develop alternate strategies when faced with changing environments. It is arrogant to assume that your beliefs are more accurate or more important than the laws that have molded the survival of every species of plant and animal on the face of the planet for millions of years. In other words, if you think that an imbalanced environment can produce a balanced result, think again. Your personal beliefs, no matter how strongly held, cannot possibly overcome the forces of nature that have shaped the survival and existence of every plant and animal on earth for eons.

Dogs will always adapt to the environment they live in. In fact, their need to survive and seek comfort is so strong that they will adapt to a new environment in an incredibly short period of time. Sometimes minutes.

Dogs have been developing strategies for hunting, mating and playing for thousands of years and they still do. Your dog has developed strategies to get what he wants in your environment too.

So, just like your high school writing teacher taught you the KISS formula, (Keep It Simple Stupid) we're going to suggest the same thing. If the advice you're getting doesn't make sense and it doesn't conform to the laws of nature that have molded our little canine buddies for eons, don't listen to it.

About the Author:
Training a dog doesn't have to be hard. Click on the link to see "Before and After" videos. http://www.dog-training-lifeline.com Watch the videos and download your FREE Dog Training Ebook Now. It's absolutely free with no obligation. We'll prove how easy puppy training really is.

Keyword tags: dog training advice,dog training, dogs

Puppy Training Mistakes to Avoid Like the Plague

Puppy training is no different from training a dog who is 5 years old with regard to how he learns. If you want your puppy training efforts to pay dividends, stop listening to all the breathy-voiced, psychobabble about puppy training being so much different
than training an older dog.

Three mistakes you shouldn't make.

* Don't wait until your puppy is 6 months old to start training.

* Don't listen to your neighbor whose dog act like an idiot.

* Don't leave your dog unsupervised unless he's outside or in a crate.

Don't wait until your dog is 6 months old to start training. A mother starts teaching her pups at between three and a half and five weeks of age. When training a puppy, you need to be softer than you would be on an adult dog but, the process is exactly the same. Start associating right from wrong with your puppy using a system of consequence and reward. The reward should be sincere, loving praise and the consequence should be applied by a tug of the neck fur for a very young puppy or a very light correction with a leash and flat collar.

Forget about listening to all the advice everyone tries to give you about training a puppy. You'll find that everyone's an expert when it comes to dog training but almost none of them can back it up with a trained dog. The next time someone gives you advice on how to train a puppy, just ask them to give you a demonstration of their dog's obedience. That usually ends the conversation.

Don't think that you can bring a puppy home and then go out for a night on the town. A puppy and puppy training is a full time job. If you're going to get a puppy, bring him home just before the weekend or when you have a week off work so you have a little time to get your new little buddy started off on the right foot.

So, start your training as soon as you get your puppy and forget about advice you get from well intentioned friends, family and neighbors. When it comes to training dogs, it seems as if everyone's and expert even though they have never trained a dog in their lives. The average dog owner seems to think that because they had dogs when they were growing up, they are somehow qualified to give advice on how to train a dog. They are well intentioned people who are trying to help but, you must understand that training dogs is not a skill that is acquired simply by virtue of dog ownership.

Understand that you're going to have to dedicate some time to your puppy training efforts and change your daily routines in order to supervise him all the time. Most new dog owners need help somewhere along the way from a professional in order to solve some of the problems that crop up so, don't be too proud or too embarrassed to get the help you need when you need it.

About the Author:
Training a dog doesn't have to be hard. Click on the link to see "Before and After" videos. http://www.dog-training-lifeline.com Watch the videos and download your FREE Dog Training Ebook Now. It's absolutely free with no obligation. We'll prove how easy puppy training really is.

Keyword tags: puppy training,dog training,how to train a dog,training dogs,dogs

10 Puppy Training Tips Revealed

Puppy training is exactly like training an adult dog in that your new puppy learns by association and repetition. The difference between puppy training and training an adult dog is that it's important to remember that your puppy has no experience and is soft and more vulnerable than an adult dog. Therefore, puppy training should be approached with caution so you don't cause long lasting, negative effects.

Things you should do:

Start your puppy training immediately

Get a complete veterinary exam

Limit unsupervised freedom

Equip yourself with toys, bowls, bedding and a dog crate

Set limits behavioral and physical

Things you shouldn't do:

Ask your friends and neighbors for training tips

Leave your puppy unconfined and unsupervised (not even for a minute)

Allow your puppy to mouth your hands or clothing

Avoid socialization due to unrealistic fear of health issues

Allow family and friends to suffocate your puppy with attention

Success in puppy training depends on many factors however, one of the most important factors is to supervise and observe your puppy. Don't bring your new puppy home, stick him in the garage and go out to dinner with friends. Bring your puppy home on a Friday or Saturday so you have the weekend to get him settled. You're just asking for trouble if you don't use your head and plan your puppy's introduction to his new environment.

Remember that although your life will change dramatically when bringing a new puppy into your home, you should create an environment that will be conducive to good choice making right from the start. Don't allow your puppy to get away with murder because you think he's a tender, sweet, young thing and can't handle limits or limit-setting. Dogs have been making appropriate adaptations to changing environments for thousands of years so, don't think that your puppy will be the first in history to be unable to adapt to the environment you create.

Puppy training should condition your puppy to adapt to your environment, not teach him that you will adapt to his every whim. Be kind, yet firm. Be understanding of his needs, fears and desires, but don't allow him to rule the roost. Every year, thousands of puppies are taken to shelters because their owners failed to do the right thing with their new puppies. Don't be one of them.

In conclusion, don't look at your new puppy as anything but a dog. Granted, he's a young dog, but a dog nonetheless and he learns exactly like an adult dog. Accept the fact that your life will be different in many ways after bringing your puppy home but, don't create an environment that teaches your puppy that he's the boss. Puppy training is a full time job just like raising children so, don't think that because he's a dog, you can ignore the realities of the situation. Give your puppy attention, love and guidance as you would anyone you love.

About the Author:
Training a dog doesn't have to be hard. Click on the link to see "Before and After" videos. http://www.dog-training-lifeline.com Watch the videos and download your FREE Dog Training Ebook Now. It's absolutely free with no obligation. We'll prove how easy puppy training really is.

Keyword tags: puppy training,training a dog,dog training,dogs

Dog Obedience-What They Don\t Want You to Know

Dog obedience instructors want you to believe they are the holders of the key to knowledge. What a load of rubbish! In reality, dog obedience is simply learning a few physical skills, paying attention and using common sense.

There are no ninja tactics, no magical clickers and no secret, dog obedience shroud guarded by temple warriors in the Himalayan mountains. Dog obedience is a skill almost any dog owner can learn well enough to solve their dog behavior problems.

For the sake of brevity, we're going to break dog training down into its three most basic components and then briefly describe each. These are the three hurdles you need to overcome when you train a dog.

1. Physical

2. Mental

3. Emotional

Now, let's have a look at each one.

Physical hurdles - OK, think about the laws of physics. If you weigh 85 pounds and your dog is a 200 pound Great Dane who likes to pull, "Houston, we have a problem." You better start thinking about equipment alternatives and learning proper technique. You can do amazing things if you learn proper leash handling techniques. Even a small man can lift more weight than a big man if he has good technique. Training a dog isn't just knowing whether to correct and praise, it's knowing exactly how to correct and praise. Sincere, loving praise and proper angles of correction are just as important as know when to praise and when to correct.

Mental hurdles - You need to pay attention and observe your dog. Anticipating your dog's next move is critically important when training your dog. If your head is somewhere on the far side of the moon, your dog is going to have a distinct advantage over you. Watch your dog and learn his strategies so you can solve problems before they're big problems. Accept the fact that training your dog will require a certain level of attentiveness, so you need to step up to the plate and pay attention to what's going on.

Emotional hurdles - The laws of nature that have skillfully molded the evolution of dogs don't care about your social or political beliefs, your viewpoint on religion or how you feel about vegetables. They rely on forces greater than the sum of all our ideas about who we are, what we want or what we want to be.

Let's say you have an untrained dog who likes to run off and not come back to you when he's called. If you feel sorry for him and take him off the leash knowing that he could be killed by a car, you're not doing him or society and favors. You need to be emotionally strong and accept certain truths about your dog and dog obedience.

In conclusion, if you simply learn how to handle your leash, pay attention to your dog and learn his strategies by observing him and accept the fact that you will have to submit to the forces of nature and evolution, you will be able to manage many of the most difficult dog obedience problems.

About the Author:
To see "Before and After" videos, go to: http://www.dog-training-lifeline.com. A great example of real dog trainers and real dog training obedience. These guys are good and they have skill and integrity. The K9 Lifeline Training System - The Difference That Makes ALL The Difference

Keyword tags: dog obedience,training a dog,dog obedience problems, dogs, obedience