Dogs that bite might be broadly categorized into two groups: dogs that think they can; and dogs that think they must. Dogs in the first group think they can at the dog’s discretion. Dogs in the second group have, in the dog’s perception, been put into the position that it feels it has no other …
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. You also decrease the likelihood of a recurring behavior problem developing. If your puppy …
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. I have known the following things …
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. To a dog, a pat on the head can be a sign of dominance. Scratching a dog …
Biting and mouthing behavior in puppies can be a very frustrating time during puppy development. It is important to keep in mind this is a phase and will not last indefinitely. Our goal during this difficult time is to understand why the behavior exists and how to deal with it in an effective and positive …
Mentally, puppies are like a sponge in that they soak up everything, and if they’ve been properly raised will approach almost anything without a preconceived attitude. As they mature, some of this predisposition to “I wonder what that is, it might be interesting” attitude wears off, and the “you can’t teach an old dog new …
One of the most important things for your dog to learn is to walk on a leash without pulling. This makes walking the dog much more enjoyable for both you and the dog. If the dog is pulling walking is unpleasant and he gets walked far less often — this makes him pull all the …
Dogs are pack animals with a highly developed sense of social structure. One reason they make such wonderful companions is be-cause they instinctively accept their human family as their pack. However, dogs are also born with the instinct to try to become the pack leader, and if you and your family do not assume a …
Introduction House training your puppy begins long before you bring him/her home. Not soiling his quarters is both an instinctual quality as well as a learned behavior. The dam assumes the bulk of the responsibility of keeping both puppy and the nest clean. Some mothers are more diligent about this than …
Click here for a Printable Copy TEST PURPOSE SCORE Social Attraction: Place the puppy in test area. From a few feet away the testor coaxes the pup to her/him by clapping hands gently and kneeling down.Testor must coax in a direction away from the point where it entered the testing area. Degree of social attraction, confidence …