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Eliminating problem behaviors when training your puppy
By Barry Gilbert
Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one
thing that most dog owners eventually face. This article
will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered
behavior problems.
Problem #1 - Jumping up on people
One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is
that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one
of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged
by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and
adorable when that little 10 pound puppy jumps up on you,
your family members and your friends. Many people reward
this behavior on the part of a small puppy with kisses
and treats.
This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little
puppy may soon become a full grown dog who could weigh
well in excess of 100 pounds. Suddenly that cute jumping
behavior is no longer quite so cute.
In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can
be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping
enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an
older or handicapped adult. In today's litigious
society, such an incident could easily make you, as the
dog's owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit.
The time to teach a dog that jumping up on people is
unacceptable is when he is still young and easy to
handle. Retraining a dog that has been allowed to jump
up on people can be difficult for the owner, and
confusing for the dog.
When the puppy tries to jump on you or another member of
your family, gently but firmly place the puppy's feet
back on the floor. After the puppy is standing firmly on
the floor, be sure to reward and praise him.
It is important for every member of the family, as well
as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule
and follow it religiously. If one member of the family
reprimands the dog for jumping and another praises him,
the dog will be understandably confused. As with other
dog training issues, consistency is the key to teaching
the dog that jumping is always inappropriate.
When praising and rewarding the dog for staying down, it
is important for the trainer to get down on the dog's
level. Giving affection and praise at eye level with the
puppy is a great way to reinforce the lesson.
Problem #2 - Pulling and tugging at the leash
Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many
puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is also
one that is sometimes encouraged by well meaning owners.
Playing games like tug of war with the leash, or even
with a rope (that can look like the leash to the dog) can
unwittingly encourage a problem behavior.
The use of a quality body harness can be a big help when
training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a dog that
has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. Try
training the puppy to accept the body harness the same
way it accepts the regular buckle collar.
When walking with your dog, try using a lure or toy to
encourage the dog to remain at your side. A training
collar, when properly used, can also be a good training
tool for a problem dog. When using a training collar or
choke chain, however, it is very important to fit it
correctly, and to use a size that is neither too big nor
too small for your dog.
When walking with your puppy, it is important to keep
the leash loose at all times. If the puppy begins to
pull ahead, the handler should quickly change directions
so that the puppy fast finds itself falling behind.
It is important to reverse directions before the puppy
has reached the end of the leash.
The leash should stay loose except for the split second
it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is
important to use a quick tug,followed by an immediate
slackening of the leash. When training a puppy, it is
important to never let the puppy pull you around.
Training the puppy to walk properly while he or she is
still small enough to handle is absolutely vital,
especially when dealing with a large breed of dog. If
your 150 pound Great Dane hasn't learned to walk properly
while he or she is still a 20 pound puppy, chances are it
never will.
It is important not to yank or pull on the puppy's neck
when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure will work
much better than a hard yank. The best strategy is to
use the least amount of pressure possible to achieve the
desired result.
About the Author
Barry Gilbert
Discover How To Slash Your Dog Training Time In Half by
Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
http://www.auctionbusinesssite.com/dogs/
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