Helpful Tips
All of us need a little help every now and then with our dogs so here's a few tips we've learnt along the way that might help improve your relationship with your dog and how they respond to you, other people, other animals and the world around them.
Socialising a puppy - did you know the most important period for ensuring your dog is sociable and well adjusted in future, is when it's between 3 - 12 weeks of age? In particular the critical 6-8 week period when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. During week 8-12 puppies go through a 'fearful' stage as a natural response to avoid potential danger. So instead of meeting something or someone with curiosity they react fearfully. Anything that frightens them in this stage can have a lasting impact. It is important to expose your puppy to various stimuli but don't over do it. Careful socialising during this period can counter fearful responses.Although they may not be fully vaccinated until 12 weeks of age still ensure you take your dog out and about to all sorts of places, carrying where necessary if you're concerned about potential exposure to disease (e.g in high dog traffic areas).
Take this in to consideration when choosing any puppy. What is the behaviour of the parent dog(s) like? What environment have they grown up in?What socialising have they received before you take them home?
If you have another dog already in the house, it's good to keep them separated for several weeks. This ensures the puppy bonds to you not the other dog and looks to you as the role model. It also allows the existing dog some space from the puppy to adjust to the new addition more slowly, preventing any issues. Remember you have to put the time in to the puppy at the early stages if you want it to respond well to you in future.
Choosing your puppy or dog - take careful consideration before taking on any dog. Whilst a puppy for many seems like the better option it's important to ensure the puppy you choose has come from the right environment with adequate socialising to avoid potential problems. Realistically how much time do you have to dedicate to socialising and training a puppy until it reaches at least 12 months of age? Just simply house-training a dog and teaching it to sit is not training a dog. Ensure you choose a breed of dog that also fits your lifestyle and energy levels. Don't be fooled by size, a small dog isn't necessarily easier to manage, often they can have high energy levels despite their size. Some large breeds of dogs can be extremely laid back and easier to manage. Do your research and don't just choose because you love the look of the dog. What was the dog orginally bred to do? If you can't fulfill some of that instinct you will have problems in future.
To rescue or not? - Adopting a dog that needs a home can be incredibly rewarding but also requires careful thought. If adopting from a home environment find out why the dog is being rehomed. Are they being genuine or are they just passing on a dog with problems? View the dog in their home environment so you can see how it behaves. Don't be afraid to say you want to think about it before adopting the dog. It's difficult not to let your heart rule but go home after the meeting and seriously think about it, for yours and the dog's sake.
If adopting from a rescue shelter then you'll need to have a good strength of character to choose wisely. Gain as much information about the dog as possible, ask the staff how the dog has been with them and other dogs. Have they noticed anything in the dog's behaviour you should be aware of or concerned about? Consider the breed or mix of breeds - what future requirements and exercise levels will they need or what instincts will they naturally possess. If you don't know anything about the breed do your research first to ensure you have a better understanding of what to expect What age is the dog, will it grow any more? Don't be scared of adopting a maturer dog over 4 years of age as by this age they are full size and you can get a greater sense of their energy levels, their interaction with people and other animals and their general demeanour and needs.
There are more dogs between the age of 6 months to 2 years in rescue centres than any other age for a variety of reasons, but generally they are too much for their owners or strays. If you take on a dog of this age you'll need to be committed to ongoing training, socialising and have a very consistent approach and offer heaps of regular exercise. Many rescue dogs do very well in their new homes if they are a good match. Sadly many end up back in a rescue centre again and again or being rehomed on when people realise they too cannot cope with the dog. This is incredibly detrimental to the dog and can have serious implications with their behavioural development. Please take your time to find the right dog and choose wisely before adopting any dog. You may wish to consult a professional dog trainer/behaviourist for independent, expert advice before adopting the dog you have selected.
Your behaviour and how it influences your dog's behaviour - very rarely do adult dogs communicate between each other vocally. Dog's use body language and scent for the majority of their communication. Try and bear this in mind when you want your dog to respond to you. Your facial expressions, body posture and voice tone can dramatically influence a how a dog behaves with you. If you're anxious or stressed about a situation, then your dog will pick up on that and may react in the same manner. If you get frustrated, vocal or aggressive your dog may react the same way or be completely submissive and fearful. If you're confident, calm and positive your dog will feel relaxed and reassured. In any situation you need to remain calm and in control if you want your dog to be the same.
Next time you go for a walk with your dog think about what you're displaying with your body language rather than your dog. You'll be surprised how much influence what you do has over your dog. Remember reward to a dog can come in many forms. However, the most important and the first reward a dog should get ( before any treats or toys) should come directly from you by form of a smiley face, voice praise and touching or stroking. This is vitally important. You want the dog to respond to you because it wants to be with you and not just because you have food or toys.
Interactive playtime - When dogs are young they have a natural curiosity to investigate things. Sadly all to many owners spend more of their time telling a young dog off when he steals their socks or chews up their remote. What they should actually be doing is positively exchanging what the dog has (that they don't want it to have) with something they do want the dog to have. And this is where it's important to make a big emphasis on how great that correct toy is compared to the item you don't want them to have. And the best way to do that is through interactive play. Whilst many dogs love to play with toys,you often find that in the home it's done for self-amusement and that not often is a human involved in the actual play. This is a passive owner response. Ideally you want an interactive response. So every day have a little game of tug or throw the ball and encourage the dog to return it to you. Interactive play is critical, no matter what the age of the dog, to get a strong response from your hound. If you can get your dog focused on it's favourite toy then you can use this out on walks to make your dog realise you are way more interesting that that other dog, that person or that cat. If you want a good recall (i.e getting your dog to come back to you when called) then you simply have to put the effort in to playing with your dog, rewarding them strongly when they come to you and being the most exciting thing in their life. Wouldn't you rather have a dog come to you because they want to rather than being told they have to?
Exercise, exercise, exercise - we cannot stress enough how important exercising your dog everyday is in the well being, development and behaviour of your hound. Many behavioural issues, including aggression, start as a result of a lack of sufficient exercise. All dog's no matter what the breed need to be walked every day, ideally twice a day. And a quick 15 minute walk just isn't enough for most dogs. It's critical for their socialising, frustration levels and general health and wellbeing to have regular exercise and interaction with other people, dogs and environments. Variety is important, don't just do the same walk every day, mix it up, change the route, go in the car somewhere different. The more exposure to a variety of places the better. Dog's need mental and physical stimulation so by going to different places with different smells they get use all their senses. During exercise dogs, just like humans, release endorphins in to their bodies making them feel less stressed and happy. A walk together and play time will make both of you feel good so get out there a exercise your dog regularly.
Dog to Dog Introductions - for most dog owners they're keen to see their dogs interacting with other dogs in a positive way. There are simple steps you can take to help dog to dog introductions go well.
Meeting dogs face to face, who don't know each other, can put both dogs in to a more heightened arousal state. They are more likely to react to each other unless the body language of both dogs is very relaxed. As humans we add to the problem by restraining our dogs on a lead. However, in many cases leads are necessary to maintain control. So try and remain calm, confident and relaxed with as little tension on the lead as possible. Your dog will pick up on your reactions very quickly so if you're nervous they will be too, if you're tense then they will be too. Meet on neutral ground if possible.
Allowing your dog to pick up the sent of another dog is incredibly important before any direct face to face meeting. This is done by enabling them to pick up scent from the tail end of the other dog. Walking with a dog ahead of you, your dog will be able to gain information about that dog, particularly if it's able to smell any urination. From this scent, dogs can determine whether the other dog is male or female, their age, sexual status and whether they have any ailments. The more scent information your dog can receive about the other dog the better before a face to face meeting. Keep the dogs moving, don't sit still as this can allow tension to build up, and circle each other if necessary. This way both dogs can get scent from the behind of the other. When they look relaxed you can then go to a face to face meeting. For some more reactive dogs they also need to walk along side another dog before a face to face meeting. Ensure both the owners are between the 2 dogs to maintain control and when you feel happy that both dogs are more relaxed and non-reactive you can walk them closer or allow them to meet face to face.
If you can distract your dog using a positive voice call, food, toys, you may be able to get the dog to focus on you rather than the other dog. Avoid dragging the dog away from other dogs (unless absolutely necessary) as this can cause many problems. It may indicate that you feel the other dog is a threat and your dog may react accordingly. Allow time for them to greet each other and when appropriate move on. Leave on a positive note when both dogs are relaxed with each other.
Excercising your dog regularly is vital and doing dog introductions when your dog has already had a burn around a while before and is then calm is always more successful.
We cannot stress enough that your body language and response is the key here to ensuring a positive introduction. Many dogs would rather not have to meet other dogs and it is the very act of being forced by owners to meet other dogs that can lead to aggression problems. If you are uncertain or nervous, and/or your dog has displayed concerning aggression towards other dogs, then seek professional help and they should be able to assist you.
Socialising a puppy - did you know the most important period for ensuring your dog is sociable and well adjusted in future, is when it's between 3 - 12 weeks of age? In particular the critical 6-8 week period when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. During week 8-12 puppies go through a 'fearful' stage as a natural response to avoid potential danger. So instead of meeting something or someone with curiosity they react fearfully. Anything that frightens them in this stage can have a lasting impact. It is important to expose your puppy to various stimuli but don't over do it. Careful socialising during this period can counter fearful responses.Although they may not be fully vaccinated until 12 weeks of age still ensure you take your dog out and about to all sorts of places, carrying where necessary if you're concerned about potential exposure to disease (e.g in high dog traffic areas).
Take this in to consideration when choosing any puppy. What is the behaviour of the parent dog(s) like? What environment have they grown up in?What socialising have they received before you take them home?
If you have another dog already in the house, it's good to keep them separated for several weeks. This ensures the puppy bonds to you not the other dog and looks to you as the role model. It also allows the existing dog some space from the puppy to adjust to the new addition more slowly, preventing any issues. Remember you have to put the time in to the puppy at the early stages if you want it to respond well to you in future.
Choosing your puppy or dog - take careful consideration before taking on any dog. Whilst a puppy for many seems like the better option it's important to ensure the puppy you choose has come from the right environment with adequate socialising to avoid potential problems. Realistically how much time do you have to dedicate to socialising and training a puppy until it reaches at least 12 months of age? Just simply house-training a dog and teaching it to sit is not training a dog. Ensure you choose a breed of dog that also fits your lifestyle and energy levels. Don't be fooled by size, a small dog isn't necessarily easier to manage, often they can have high energy levels despite their size. Some large breeds of dogs can be extremely laid back and easier to manage. Do your research and don't just choose because you love the look of the dog. What was the dog orginally bred to do? If you can't fulfill some of that instinct you will have problems in future.
To rescue or not? - Adopting a dog that needs a home can be incredibly rewarding but also requires careful thought. If adopting from a home environment find out why the dog is being rehomed. Are they being genuine or are they just passing on a dog with problems? View the dog in their home environment so you can see how it behaves. Don't be afraid to say you want to think about it before adopting the dog. It's difficult not to let your heart rule but go home after the meeting and seriously think about it, for yours and the dog's sake.
If adopting from a rescue shelter then you'll need to have a good strength of character to choose wisely. Gain as much information about the dog as possible, ask the staff how the dog has been with them and other dogs. Have they noticed anything in the dog's behaviour you should be aware of or concerned about? Consider the breed or mix of breeds - what future requirements and exercise levels will they need or what instincts will they naturally possess. If you don't know anything about the breed do your research first to ensure you have a better understanding of what to expect What age is the dog, will it grow any more? Don't be scared of adopting a maturer dog over 4 years of age as by this age they are full size and you can get a greater sense of their energy levels, their interaction with people and other animals and their general demeanour and needs.
There are more dogs between the age of 6 months to 2 years in rescue centres than any other age for a variety of reasons, but generally they are too much for their owners or strays. If you take on a dog of this age you'll need to be committed to ongoing training, socialising and have a very consistent approach and offer heaps of regular exercise. Many rescue dogs do very well in their new homes if they are a good match. Sadly many end up back in a rescue centre again and again or being rehomed on when people realise they too cannot cope with the dog. This is incredibly detrimental to the dog and can have serious implications with their behavioural development. Please take your time to find the right dog and choose wisely before adopting any dog. You may wish to consult a professional dog trainer/behaviourist for independent, expert advice before adopting the dog you have selected.
Your behaviour and how it influences your dog's behaviour - very rarely do adult dogs communicate between each other vocally. Dog's use body language and scent for the majority of their communication. Try and bear this in mind when you want your dog to respond to you. Your facial expressions, body posture and voice tone can dramatically influence a how a dog behaves with you. If you're anxious or stressed about a situation, then your dog will pick up on that and may react in the same manner. If you get frustrated, vocal or aggressive your dog may react the same way or be completely submissive and fearful. If you're confident, calm and positive your dog will feel relaxed and reassured. In any situation you need to remain calm and in control if you want your dog to be the same.
Next time you go for a walk with your dog think about what you're displaying with your body language rather than your dog. You'll be surprised how much influence what you do has over your dog. Remember reward to a dog can come in many forms. However, the most important and the first reward a dog should get ( before any treats or toys) should come directly from you by form of a smiley face, voice praise and touching or stroking. This is vitally important. You want the dog to respond to you because it wants to be with you and not just because you have food or toys.
Interactive playtime - When dogs are young they have a natural curiosity to investigate things. Sadly all to many owners spend more of their time telling a young dog off when he steals their socks or chews up their remote. What they should actually be doing is positively exchanging what the dog has (that they don't want it to have) with something they do want the dog to have. And this is where it's important to make a big emphasis on how great that correct toy is compared to the item you don't want them to have. And the best way to do that is through interactive play. Whilst many dogs love to play with toys,you often find that in the home it's done for self-amusement and that not often is a human involved in the actual play. This is a passive owner response. Ideally you want an interactive response. So every day have a little game of tug or throw the ball and encourage the dog to return it to you. Interactive play is critical, no matter what the age of the dog, to get a strong response from your hound. If you can get your dog focused on it's favourite toy then you can use this out on walks to make your dog realise you are way more interesting that that other dog, that person or that cat. If you want a good recall (i.e getting your dog to come back to you when called) then you simply have to put the effort in to playing with your dog, rewarding them strongly when they come to you and being the most exciting thing in their life. Wouldn't you rather have a dog come to you because they want to rather than being told they have to?
Exercise, exercise, exercise - we cannot stress enough how important exercising your dog everyday is in the well being, development and behaviour of your hound. Many behavioural issues, including aggression, start as a result of a lack of sufficient exercise. All dog's no matter what the breed need to be walked every day, ideally twice a day. And a quick 15 minute walk just isn't enough for most dogs. It's critical for their socialising, frustration levels and general health and wellbeing to have regular exercise and interaction with other people, dogs and environments. Variety is important, don't just do the same walk every day, mix it up, change the route, go in the car somewhere different. The more exposure to a variety of places the better. Dog's need mental and physical stimulation so by going to different places with different smells they get use all their senses. During exercise dogs, just like humans, release endorphins in to their bodies making them feel less stressed and happy. A walk together and play time will make both of you feel good so get out there a exercise your dog regularly.
Dog to Dog Introductions - for most dog owners they're keen to see their dogs interacting with other dogs in a positive way. There are simple steps you can take to help dog to dog introductions go well.
Meeting dogs face to face, who don't know each other, can put both dogs in to a more heightened arousal state. They are more likely to react to each other unless the body language of both dogs is very relaxed. As humans we add to the problem by restraining our dogs on a lead. However, in many cases leads are necessary to maintain control. So try and remain calm, confident and relaxed with as little tension on the lead as possible. Your dog will pick up on your reactions very quickly so if you're nervous they will be too, if you're tense then they will be too. Meet on neutral ground if possible.
Allowing your dog to pick up the sent of another dog is incredibly important before any direct face to face meeting. This is done by enabling them to pick up scent from the tail end of the other dog. Walking with a dog ahead of you, your dog will be able to gain information about that dog, particularly if it's able to smell any urination. From this scent, dogs can determine whether the other dog is male or female, their age, sexual status and whether they have any ailments. The more scent information your dog can receive about the other dog the better before a face to face meeting. Keep the dogs moving, don't sit still as this can allow tension to build up, and circle each other if necessary. This way both dogs can get scent from the behind of the other. When they look relaxed you can then go to a face to face meeting. For some more reactive dogs they also need to walk along side another dog before a face to face meeting. Ensure both the owners are between the 2 dogs to maintain control and when you feel happy that both dogs are more relaxed and non-reactive you can walk them closer or allow them to meet face to face.
If you can distract your dog using a positive voice call, food, toys, you may be able to get the dog to focus on you rather than the other dog. Avoid dragging the dog away from other dogs (unless absolutely necessary) as this can cause many problems. It may indicate that you feel the other dog is a threat and your dog may react accordingly. Allow time for them to greet each other and when appropriate move on. Leave on a positive note when both dogs are relaxed with each other.
Excercising your dog regularly is vital and doing dog introductions when your dog has already had a burn around a while before and is then calm is always more successful.
We cannot stress enough that your body language and response is the key here to ensuring a positive introduction. Many dogs would rather not have to meet other dogs and it is the very act of being forced by owners to meet other dogs that can lead to aggression problems. If you are uncertain or nervous, and/or your dog has displayed concerning aggression towards other dogs, then seek professional help and they should be able to assist you.