Dog Training Tips

I would say 90% of dog behavioral problems can be solved by properly walking your dog. Its all about the dogs point of view. In their world its all about leaders and followers. If you don't step up as leader guess who's going to take over. Dogs are much happier as followers, they really don't want the burden of trying to control all that goes on around them. This is when bad behavior can start.

I have five dogs of my own and I love to watch them and try to learn their language. Dog psychology is a far better tool than just dog training. If you learn how they think and become their pack leader every thing else is easy. I can not stress enough how important it is to walk your dog. Every fiber in them longs to walk with their pack and migrate. This is instinctual to all dogs no matter how big or small. You are their pack and a tired pack makes for calm, happy dogs. Think about if you had to live your life in the same four walls or the same back yard, never being able to get out. You would develop some issues too. It's like prison. I have a 3 acre yard but nothing excites my dogs like the walks we take together. It is our time to see the world and to bond. We as humans take on the responsibility to love and care for these animals but its not about fancy clothes and treats. These animal are a gift and we need to keep them balanced and healthy mentally and phyiscally. I know it's hard to find the time, but make time and they will love you for it.

If you have been letting your dog drag you all over creation and let them smell every bush on the way it may take the dog a few trys to re-adjust. He/she has been so use to getting their way they may balk at first. You have created a bad habit of the way you walk together and now you have to change it. It won't take long and then the right way becomes the new habit. If they balk ignore them and try to keep moving foward. Do not give into their temper tantrums and don't show any affection during this bad behavior. They will soon realize that you know whats best and they will follow you. Don't give up, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is the perfect dog.

Things you can do to gain respect. Never free feed, if your dog has an endless supply of food what do they need you for? Let them work for treats and food. Let them do a trick or something fun before giving it to them. Dogs like to work for things, it makes them feel important and builds self-confidence. You know all the spoiled brats in the world who have had everything handed to them. They do not appreciate anything and think everybody owes them something. If you work hard for things in life it's so much more gratifying when you achieve your goals. For us it may be a new house or a car but for a dog it's just a cookie and a pat on the head. You gotta love that.