Control the dog and you control the situation
When a dog has it's collar and lead on you are showing them you are boss, and it's not playtime! When on the lead a dog must learn you are in control.
Be positive
Stop saying 'NO'. Instead of always telling your dog what you don't want them to do be positive and tell them what you want them to do. e.g. A dog that jumps up should be told to sit.
Allow a dog to be a dog
Sometime, what the owner considers to be problem behaviour, is nothing more than normal dog behaviour or breed specific behaviour. e.g. Digging. A natural canine activity but not one most owners want in their gardens. Try having an area that is solely for your dog and bury their bones, toys or treats there. Whenever your dog is doing something you don't like, try and replace it with something you do think is acceptable and still fun for your dog.
Be consistent
It is unfair to your dog to change the rules, teach them one word commands and stick to them, they don't understand that only you can get on the sofa sometimes.
Dogs must earn what they want
If your dog thinks that you are an owner who can be trained, to give them what they ask for when they ask for it, you will not get any respect.
Teach your dog to say please. Always get them to earn what they want, sit before they have their food, come to you and sit for a treat. Never give freebies if you want to be the boss.
Be clear
It is very easy to confuse a dog by changing commands. Say their name then the command "sit", say it, if necessary gently show your dog physically what you mean at the same time as you command them. Do not assume that dogs always understand you, we use words, dogs are masters of body language, the body language we show them has to be at the same time as we use our command so they can relate the two.
Exercise
The most common cause of problem behaviour is boredom and lack of exercise. A tired dog is a well behaved dog. Check the breed and breed specific behaviour if you have a hunting dog or gun dog expect it to want more exercise than a toy breed.
Provide mental stimulation
Play games, hide treats or chews, encourage your dog to find things. Leave them toys and chews when you go out, try a buster cube, a toy you can put food inside, they play with it and the food come out a little at a time.
Understand your dogs genetic heritage
or breed specific behaviour, all dogs have this, even cross breeds and mongrels, understand what the breed was bred to do. Research the breed's history before you get that dog. If you understand if they were bred to run, or stay close, hunt or guard, chase and kill, , or herd, or be independent or work with people you can understand your dogs behaviour and natural instincts and concentrate your training on specific things.
Train your dog
Every dog should have basic training and manners, they are not born knowing how we want them to behave, we must show them.
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