Pat Scott
Management
Management is another word for controlling the environment. It involves making changes in your dog’s immediate living conditions and situations. Management will help you to PREVENT some problems from happening, especially with a puppy or young dog.
RETRACTABLE LEASH SAFETY
Retractable leashes can come in very handy for exercising your dog in safe places. They let your dog run around a bit at a distance while still being attached to you, without the leash getting tangled. But you need to be aware that they do have a dangerous aspect.
THINK DOG
Your dog sees the world differently than we do. If we learn to "think dog", we can avoid some kinds of trouble (especially with dogs and small children) and communicate with our dogs more easily.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit extreme behavior problems when they are left alone. The most common behaviors are destruction of property (sometimes injuring themselves in the process), especially around doors or windows, howling and barking, and urination and defecation from distress.
ELECTRONIC ( INVISIBLE ) FENCING
Electronic fences (also known as "invisible fencing") have become popular in some areas. One advantage is cosmetic-- you can't see the fence, so it is allowable in housing areas that prohibit regular fences.
CRATES
The problem with dog crates is convincing people that crating a dog is not cruel and unusual punishment!
PLAYING TUG WITH YOUR DOG
Tug can be a great game for your dog - IF played by the rules. Tug is a good substitute for body-slam wrestling. It is also a good way to use up energy when you can't get the dog outside due to bad weather.
LEADERSHIP
Dogs are social animals that live in a pack, or family. When you bring a dog into your family you become their pack. Even if you are a single person with one dog, you are a pack.
CANINE STRESS SIGNS
Some stress signs may be difficult to see, while others are very noticeable. Some signs relate to an increase in activity, as in acute stress - body and mind go into "red alert" status.
SUBMISSIVE URINATION
Submissive urination is NOT a house-training problem. It is exhibited during greetings, either because the dog instinctively feels a need to show submission, or when the dog loses control due to being excited.