| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Home |
|
|
Helping Your Dog |
Does this look familiar? Does your dog get into trouble? Are your parents frustrated with your best friend? Do you know what to do? It's important to know that your dog is not trying to cause problems. He is just doing what comes naturally for a dog. You have to help him learn new ways to entertain himself. |
| In the past, dogs were bred to perform specific jobs like herd sheep, find rodents, hunt birds and mammals, and work with firemen and policemen. But now, many dogs are left with nothing to do all day long. They can become bored and lonely. |
|
|
|
When dogs get bored and lonely, they might chew, dig, or bark too much. Or they might sleep all day, which isn't healthy. Taking your dog to classes, or teaching him yourself gives him something to do and helps build his confidence...and yours, too. |
|
It's natural for your dog to want things that smell good, taste good, look good, and feel good. It doesn't matter who it belongs to. Getting your dog some tempting items that are especially for dogs is a good thing to do. If he has his own things, he can be directed to them when he needs something to do. |
 |
| |
|
These toys allow your dog to play and have fun. These are Food Cubes. Fill them with treats and watch the fun begin! |  |
| This toy is called a Kong. You can throw it and it will bounce funny. |  |
But you can also fill it with food and have fun watching your dog try to get it out. You dog will have fun, too! |
| |
| Toys
that are smooth, furry, fuzzy, or funny can be interesting. You can
throw them or hide them. |
|
You can let your dog chew on them or you can put them in the water. What else can you think of? |
 |
Large bones that are real, made of plastic, and are unbreakable can smell and feel good to your dog. |
Does your dog get into trouble even when you are home?
|
To help your dog behave, try these three suggestions:
1. Pretend to be a dog by getting down
on your knees and looking around your house. What do you see? Are there
things on the floor that would be interesting and fun if you were a
dog? How about shoes, pencils, paper clips, clothing, slippers, etc.?
2. Look around your house. Do you see a
door that is open? What is on the other side of that door? Is it a closet
with lots of cool things on the floor? Or is it a bedroom with sweet-smelling
socks that are easy to reach?
3.
Trash the trash. Where
does your family keep the trash? Check the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms,
and the yard. |
|
Who's the Boss? Dogs need structure in their lives. They need rules. They want to know who the leader is. If it is not clear who the leader is, your dog will appoint himself. A dog who thinks your house is his house needs supervision, even if he is older. It is only natural that a dog who doesn't know the rules, will make up his own. Let your dog know what is allowed, in a clear and gentle manner. Getting
up on the table is not where dogs should be, no matter how funny it
is. Jumping on the couch is only cute if you allow your dog to do
that. Some people like that, some don't. Rules must be clear to your
dog. If you can't make up your mind and you let your dog on your bed
sometimes, but not other times, he will be confused. Make your rules
and stick to them. Everyone in the family needs to know the rules
and help your dog to remember them. This is called 'being consistent'.
Being consistent means everyone doing something the same way over
and over again. Is
your dog the boss? Click on the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
It's NOT Doggie Jail! Putting your dog in a crate or a pen is a good thing to do when either of you needs a break. Give him some things to do while he is in there. A good bone or rope toy to chew on will help keep him busy. |
 |
|
|
 |
Training a dog is not an easy thing to do. It takes practice and patience. It takes understanding. If you would like to understand why some dogs act the way they do, visit the links below: |
Got
dog behavior questions or problems?
Try our new Behavior FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)!
Just Click on the Mischievous Puppy!
Here are our favorite training books and a video for kids:
 
|
 Puppy
Training for Kids, by Sarah Whitehead, Barrons Juveniles
2001This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance. |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Dog
Training For Kids, by Carol Lea
Benjamin, Howell Book House Inc. 1988 This is a great book for kids written by one of the best. It explains all of the basic training that a child will need to get a good start with a dog. Also covers common behavior problems. Ages 9-12 |
Video
The Best! |
This video is a little older, but excellent, nonetheless. Ian Dunbar has a wonderful way with the children - clear, gentle, and kind. Easy to watch and understand, kids can be completely successful with this positive method of training. Adapted from the British television program, Dogs With Dunbar. Topics include: Taking on a new puppy. Housetraining. Early leash training. Teaching Sit and Down. Developing a rapport. Focusing attention. Improving off-leash control. Training a fast recall. Training as a family. Family competitions. Improving the Sit Stay. Teaching with toys. Playing training games. |
A lot to remember? Try this!
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Home |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Read
our Privacy Policy How To Love Your Dog http://www.loveyourdog.com Copyright © 1998 - 2008 by Janet Wall and Rick Wall May be reproduced for individual or classroom use only. Photographs, graphics, and backgrounds may not be reproduced to other websites or for any other purpose. |
See
it!
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Pick up all objects from the floor and put them
where they belong, or put them in a closet and shut the door.
