Living With A Dog - Dogs and Behaviors
Dogs, like any other pet, have certain types of behaviors that are
natural and even desirable. Unfortunately there are also some behaviors
that become problematic and even potentially dangerous. Teaching your
dog at an early age how to play and interact or socialize with people,
pets and children is a great way to prevent any negative behaviors from
becoming a problem.
Puppies naturally bite and chew as they hit
the stage of teething. For most breeds this happens between about four
to five months of age, and the behaviors can continue until they reach
a year. Some dogs continue to chew and bite as they get older, usually
because bad habits have been allowed to form. Be prepared for teething,
chewing and biting, and provide a wide selection of chew toys. Puppies
may also not realize that biting and chewing is painful and need to be
told, with a loud “Ouch” or “No”, when they
bite and cause pain. Their mother and littermates usually teach puppies
this, as they will yelp when bitten too hard. Puppies removed from the
litter early do not always have this experience and need to be taught
by their human caregivers.
When a puppy bites or chews, immediately the
“Ouch” or “No” should be said, followed by the
substitution of a chew toy. The puppy or dog should then be rewarded
with praise for chewing or biting the toy.
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Do you recognize one or more of these problems in your dog or puppy?
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House training
House training a puppy or dog is not necessarily a
challenge, nor does it have to be traumatic for the owners (or the
dogs). Crate training is a wonderful strategy that is quick, effective,
and prevents soiling of the carpet or living area. Immediately after
eating or drinking the puppy is placed in the crate. The crate should
be the appropriate size, and in an area where the puppy can still see
people and not feel punished or isolated. Toys and a soft blanket
should be in the crate at all times.
About 15 minutes after eating, take the puppy out of the
crate and take them outside and place them in the area you wish them to
use as a restroom area. If the puppy does urinate or defecate, praise
them and bring them back into the house for some attention. If they do
not, return them to the crate for another 5 minutes, and try again.
Repeat the process until the dog relieves itself. Follow with lots of
praise and attention. Since puppies and dogs are clean and do not like
to soil their “den” areas, they will learn control. Be sure
to take the puppy or dog out regularly, though, as they can become very
stressed if not given proper opportunity to get outside.
Digging
Some breeds, especially the terrier breeds, are dogs
that were bred to hunt and dig. If you have a terrier breed, one of the
best options is to prepare a digging area in the yard and teach the dog
to dig there. Small bones and toys can be hidden in the dirt to teach
the dog to dig in this area only. Reward “correct digging”
and make other areas less desirable to dig in. Dogs generally
don’t enjoy digging in wet areas so filling up holes with water
can detract from digging. A fine mesh just under the surface of the
ground can also be effective.
Providing lots of toys and exercise is one of the best
ways to keep digging dogs busy. Often dogs dig or bite and chew out of
boredom, so balls, sticks, and even other dogs to play with during the
day is often enough to provide a distraction.
There are many professional trainers and obedience
classes that can help dog owners understand the reasons behind some of
the more difficult to correct behaviors that their dogs may exhibit.
Veterinarians can also give excellent advice and help with
understanding your dog’s habits and behaviors.
See the Spanish version of this website: Viviendo con Tu Perro
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