Four Dog Training Tips For Handling Overly Aggressive Dogs
If you do own an overly aggressive dog that is rather shy, it is important you begin working with them as soon as possible. The last thing you want to happen is have your dog harm another dog, a child, or even someone within your own family. Here are four dog training tips to give a try before making the decision to have them put down.
1. Training sessions
The first thing you want to do is build the confidence and security of your dog by setting up training sessions. Every dog is going to have some kind of fear whether it is other people on walks, kids running around, or other dogs approaching them. For this reason, you want to set up a controlled environment to ease this tension. You can have a friend meet up with you when you go on a walk and have the friend give your dog a treat. Things like this will help them become comfortable.
2. Socialization
Many times an aggressive dog is not used to being around other dogs and as a result, they will show aggression. Fortunately, you can alter this personality and teach them to enjoy the company of other dogs. Start out by keeping your dog on a leash in an area with a few other dogs that are calm and comfortable. If your dog shows signs up anger, hold the leash tight and give it a yank here and there. Show them they need to learn to play nice.
3. Avoid aggressive adult dogs
The last thing you want to do is place your dog with an aggressive older dog. This is one of the most important dog training tips to take into consideration. Think of it as being similar to people; you do not want to surround yourself with negative people. Instead, you want to surround yourself with confident, positive and successful people. The same holds true for dogs as you want to surround them with calm and playful dogs.
4. Muzzle
The last of the dog training tips is to purchase a muzzle to use during socializing and obedience lessons. It is important you familiarize your dog with it by placing it on just before feeding it or before playing in the yard. Then, it will not be a problem placing it on before these sessions. While training your dog, you do not want them to attack another dog or person. The muzzle is a precaution and can be removed as your dog begins to make progress.
Who Else Wants A Toilet Trained Dog?
There are many different methods of toilet training a dog, and which is best depends on the owner’s situation.
An owner who is home all day has the advantage of being able to devote a lot of time initially to the task, with probably quicker results. However for working owners, who may find it necessary to leave their pet confined and unattended for 3 or 4 hours at a time, it will take a little longer.
The type of food and frequency of feeding influences the timing of when a dog needs to eliminate. Premium dog foods are highly digestible and can make toilet training much easier. Because they contain high quality ingredients, the dog requires less, meaning less frequent bowel movements and less stool volume.
A gastro-colic reflex takes place when a dog eats, i.e. when the stomach receives more food it sends a message to the bowel that it is time to eliminate as there is more on the way. This results in a dog usually having a bowel movement from 30 to 60 minutes after eating.
Puppies are best fed three times a day. The first feeding should be just after the puppy has been taken outside to urinate in the morning. The second should be mid-afternoon and the third at around 8 pm. Keeping a record of feeding times and noting when he eliminates will help you predict when to take him out for a bowel movement.
The most important aspect of toilet training a dog is to teach it to relieve itself in a specific area.
If the dog does not eliminate when you take him outside, confine him (either in a cage, or a flight kennel, or a small room) for around 30 minutes, and take him outside again.
Dogs usually urinate first and follow a short time later with a stool. When this is produced, don’t hold back on the praise! Tell him what a good dog he is, and reward him with a walk or outside play time. It is no reward to bring him back inside.
It will only be a matter of weeks before the puppy understands the reason for this praise, and a routine will be established. Only when this has occurred should you introduce food treats, which should be given immediately it has eliminated, on the spot. Don’t call the dog to you for the treat or it will think it is being rewarded for coming when called.
As mentioned earlier, the last feed should be at around 8 pm, which will make the morning elimination at a reasonable hour. Feeding a puppy at 5 pm will usually require a bowel movement at the unsociable hour of 4 am.
One technique that is growing in popularity is hanging a bell from the door handle of the door to outside. Give the bell a tinkle every time you open the door to go out. Clever puppies will watch and learn to ring the bell when they need to relieve themselves.
Lastly, and most importantly, owners should understand that when toilet training a dog, delayed punishment does not work. If you discover that your dog has had an accident, taking delayed action is counter-productive. Praise and reward desired behavior, ignore the accidents.
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House Training Small Dogs
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They’re so cute! That’s the first among many reasons to get a small dog for your family. Small dogs are a great choice for people living in apartments, or those who can’t manage to exercise a larger breed. They eat less and shed less and generally make less of a mess, while maintaining large personalities and huge hearts. If a tiny dog has captured your heart, keep a several things to keep in mind about the care of small dogs as you prepare your home for him.
A fenced yard is great for exercising your dog. However a fence that will contain a large dog may have gaps or holes that a small one can fit through. Check the area outside your house thoroughly to make sure there are no large containers that your small dog can fall into or get stuck in.
Remember, too, that little dogs can be harmed by predators that wouldn’t dare bother a bigger one. An enclosed, roofed area is best if you are planning to put your dog outside by himself. Otherwise, make sure you are present while he’s running around the yard.
Smaller dogs may have special food requirements. Regular dog kibble is often too big to fit comfortably in their little mouths. Many small pet owners choose canned food. If you don’t use dry food, you may want to brush your dog’s teeth fairly often. You’ll need to be sure you’re not overfeeding your pooch; some tiny breeds eat as little as 1/8 cup per day.
Remember that your small dog needs lots of exercise. Often tiny pets are carried around and do not run as much as they should. Chasing a ball or toy in the house is also good exercise. One of the advantages of having a small dog is that you can really wear him out in a small amount of space!
Very small dogs are easy to trip over or step on! Your family will get used to using caution when walking down a dark hallway or opening a door quickly. When guests come over, make sure the dog is in his crate or basket, or that you are holding him.
Children need to be watched especially carefully, as they love to play with small dogs, and may not realize how delicate they are.
Generally, small dog care is not very different from any dog care. Love and attention are the main ingredients necessary for long and happy lives.
Carolin Shadler’s Blog
