Introduction

My goal is to help you understand why your dog is behaving the way he is and what you can do to change unwanted behavior. You will notice as you read that I frequently warn of the unfortunate effects from using any form of punishment as a modifier of behavior. The only way you can build a bond of mutual trust between you and your dog is for you to praise good behavior whenever it is displayed. A dog learns to repeat behavior; that is rewarded with praise and/or food tidbits. A dog learns to be shy or aggressive whenever his behavior is punished.

Verbal praise is given with a slightly higher pitch in your voice and with lots of expression. A happy tone in your voice, a smile on your face and a kneeling body position will tell your dog that you are pleased with his progress. A pat on his chest at the time of verbal praise will reinforce your expression of happiness.

Dogs have a keen sense of hearing. They learn best when commands are spoken softly and firmly. Consistency and simplicity in giving commands will hasten the learning process. For example, use the work "Off" to stop a dog from jumping on you. Avoid screaming, "Get down, dammit!" There are three key essentials in the learning process for changing unwanted behavior: a verbal reprimand, a command, and a reward. If your dog is jumping up and planting his front legs on your chest as you walk through the door, scream, "Off!" (the reprimand). Say, "Sit," (the command). Give praise by excitedly saying, "Good dog!" (the reward). A dog that has a tendency to jump up on you will learn that he gets lots of smiles and praise when he comes up to you and sits. A dog lives for our approval!

A dog is easily trained by the use of food tidbits as lures and rewards. If you want your dog to pay attention to you when teaching him to walk on leash, carry a food lure in your hand. When he responds correctly to your walking commands, give him a food treat as a reward. Reward correct behavior every time it occurs. Then, slowly begin substituting praise for food rewards each time correct behavior is displayed. Once the command is learned, offer a food reward intermittently as this will "fix the learning" and will prevent him from becoming a beggar!

Behavior problems are quite often medically related. Before trying to solve a behavior problem, make sure that your dog is healthy. Establish a relationship with a good veterinarian.

Please consider adopting your dog from an animal shelter. Get him altered as soon as possible so that you will not contribute to the horrendous canine overpopulation. There are lots of intelligent and companionable dogs found in our local shelters. Mixed breed as well as purebred dogs will give you many years of love and affection. If you must select a purebred, acquire him from a responsible breeder who will guarantee his health and proper socialization.

I have avoided using the term "owner" in referring to you. You are your dog's protector, friend, guardian, and caregiver. Too many people who "own" a dog think they can "sell" or "give him away" as soon as he misbehaves. Adopting and protecting a dog are commitments to the lifetime of the dog!

Pet supply stores have lots of items to help you solve behavior problems, from vibration alarms and flea control products to silent whistles and geriatric beds. If they do not have what you need, look through any popular dog magazine, and you will find a variety of advertised products.

Throughout this book, I refer to your dog as "he." My apology to you caregivers with female dogs! To be fair, in my book on cat behavior problems, I refer to your cat as "she." I have properly used the term "neutering" in this book as gender neutral. To neuter a dog is to spay her and castrate him.

After having been the guardian of several dogs in my lifetime, the best advice I could give to you, if this is your first dog, is RELAX! Accept the fact that a dog is going to sleep on your bed once in a while, leave a few hairs on the carpet, and drink out of the toilet. Keep a patient perspective! A dog will also curl up at your feet when you really need someone to love and is always ready to keep you company in the car. Your dog will give you more companionship than you ever dreamed of and will ask for little in return!

Guardianship of you dog will cost you a little money. Did you think you would get fifteen to twenty years of love free?