Are wolves better problem solvers than dogs?
Breeding has reduced dog problem-solving skills and studies show that unlike wolves who act independently to solve problems, dogs are much more likely to seek their owners’ help and approval to do so.
Dog Training
Training your dog takes time and effort. And it needs to start the day you bring your puppy or dog home.
Dog training should be a lifelong project for you and your dog. Make it fun and mix playtime with dog training.
To be successful, use these dog training tips: Be a leader, be firm, humane, and praise.
Be a leader
Dogs are social, pack-oriented animals who respond best to a leader figure, whether dog or human. The best pack leaders are the ones who are the most consistent. Dogs react to consistency because they know they can trust the consistent leader. Consistent leaders don’t invite the dog onto the couch one day and punish him the next when he jumps on the couch without permission.
Be firm
Good leaders are firm without being harsh. A good leader tells the dog to do something. He or she doesn’t shout at the dog, plead with the dog or scream at the dog to obey. The punctuation at the end of a good leader’s command is merely a period.
Be humane
Third, a good leader is compassionate. He or she doesn’t punish the dog for mistakes made by the leader.
Give praise
When the dog does something praiseworthy, deliver approval immediately. A good leader does not praise unwanted behaviors, no matter how unintentional the recognition may be.
If the dog shows fear, aggressiveness, or timidity, the good leader either ignores the behavior or tells the dog to knock it off. The good leader doesn’t praise and, therefore, encourage the response by stroking the dog, telling him it’s OK, you’re a good boy, etc., while the dog is acting out.
Learn to quickly, effectively correct dog misbehavior
Interrupt dog misbehavior immediately and firmly. Give your dog simple and clear directions so he understands what you want him to do. And make your praise loving and sincere.
Prevent canine depression: Make sure your dog has a chance to interact with other pups
Prevent canine depression by letting your dog have lots of doggie friends. Take advantage of local dog parks, dog clubs and doggie day cares.
Emotional support dogs: More scam than therapy?
Fake emotional support animals undermine the value of real service animals. Service dogs perform specific tasks for their handlers and are trained to do their jobs and behave in public.
7 tips to make the most of daily dog walks
Try to take daily dog walks. Pick a place that’s fun for both of you, set a reasonable pace and keep your dog on a loose leash.
Learn to speak fluent dog
Learning to speak fluent dog or cat can’t be done in a crash course. Like any other language it takes years to master. And practice makes perfect.
Dog training: What to do if your dog’s not food motivated
If your dog is no longer food motivated for training sessions, improve the quality of your treats or offer your dog other rewards like belly rubs.
Is puppy kindergarten worth your time and effort?
Puppy kindergarten provides the opportunity to train and socialize a puppy BEFORE he or she develops inappropriate behaviors.
Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with your dog
This year, make a New Year’s resolution both you and your dog can enjoy. Spend more time together — take walks, car rides and run errands.
7 tips to ensure good canine holiday behavior
When preparing for the holidays — whether parties or long-stay guests, be sure you make time to use training to ensure good canine holiday behavior.
