Animal House: Training Day for Dog Owners

In recent weeks I have received a lot of calls from people looking for me to help train their dogs.  This isn’t anything new; I work as a dog trainer and enjoy watching people succeed with the dogs. 

Unfortunately, not everyone believes the same things about dogs, how they should be treated and cared for and how they ought to be trained.  This occurs because of cultural differences, lack of proper knowledge and misconceptions.  This is sometimes a very frustrating and challenging part of my job and one I have to handle delicately, but firmly. 

We all want our dogs to be able to run and have fun and be off leash, but there are appropriate places for this. 

A dog should never be allowed to roam free in a neighborhood under any circumstances.  Not all of your neighbors love your dog, not everyone wants a dog in their yard, it is dangerous, and in most cities and towns it is illegal.

One would think this to be common sense, but time and time again I have clients say, “well, he only stays within these three houses and my neighbors don’t mind.” That may well be true, but it is still illegal and still can put your dog at huge risk of being hit by a car, delivery truck, etc.

Not everyone is born with the knowledge of how to care for a dog.  Asking questions of a veterinarian, even if you think the question is dumb is the best way to gain knowledge and make sure you are doing everything properly and in the best interest of your dog’s health.

Knowing what your dog’s ideal weight should be and knowing how much to feed your dog will help to keep your dog healthy. 

If a dog becomes overweight because of lack of exercise or too much food, this can cause health and joint problems.  Regular checkups and keeping up with flea and tick treatment, heartworm, and vaccinations are easy, but important steps in keeping your furry four-footed friend happy and healthy. 

Every dog needs regular exercise.  Exercise should consist of both mental and physical stimulation. 

Regular daily walks and some sort of game will not only strengthen the bond between you and your best friend but will keep him healthy and happy as well. 

During the winter months in New England, regular walks can become difficult as it is more like traversing the Arctic Circle, but they still need to be done.  This is where a dog will burn off his energy and be calmer in the house. 

Getting mad at a dog for running amok in the house when your dog hasn’t had exercise is not fair.  Dogs want to play and want to burn off the energy they have.  If they are not directed on what is an appropriate way to do so, they most certainly will find a way on their own.   

Several of my 18-month old boy’s toys became dog toys much to my wife’s displeasure.  I couldn’t blame my dog Ferris as it was my fault for not directing him to an appropriate toy and not giving him the stimulation he needed.

Dog parks are sometimes a great place for dogs to run free, exercise their mind and body, as well as socialize and play with other dogs.  Most dog parks have rules and proper conduct that should be followed. 

Learn about dog body language so that you can make sure that your dog and the dogs he or she is playing with are having fun. Sometimes people mistake play behavior for a dog attacking another dog and the reverse is also true.

Often times subtle negative interactions occur which people miss, and then wonder why their dog ‘suddenly’ gets in a fight, without warning.

Working with a trainer or observing a doggie playgroup to learn the signs and differences will be very helpful.  Additionally, knowing if your dog is possessive over food or toys can make a difference at home and at the dog park.  Knowing your dog means keeping your dog and everyone else safe. 

Dogs are living, breathing, feeling social animals with the capability to love and play.  A dog isn’t happy with simply being let out to go to the bathroom when needed and being tossed a bowl of food. 

Most dogs would like to go on a walk, play tug or fetch, and be close to its owner; they want to have fun and be interacted with, not ignored.  Dogs are very much like children in that they need us, look to us, and want to be a part of our lives and not just be a piece of furniture in the house.   

Having a dog is a responsibility in caring for another living being and that goes beyond food and shelter. 

Think of it like this, what other family member do you have that is jumping at the door trying to kiss you every time you walk in the house even if you only left for a minute to get the mail?

I love my job, and I love helping build positive relationships between the dog and its human family. 

Fall is closer than we would like to think, so put down the blackberry, grab a leash and take your pal for a nice long walk!  Keep those tails wagging and I am looking forward to answering any questions you might have!