4 Ways to Avoid Dog Behavioral Problems

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4 Ways to Avoid Dog Behavioral Problems

Article by Eoin McDonnell

Dog behavioral problems can range from aggression to destroying your house to simply ignoring commands when you know he understands. The good thing about dogs is most of their problems stem from issues that you can fix such as fear, boredom, anxiety or lack of respect for you. Dogs, by their nature, need someone to lead them, they expect it. If you do not assume the role of your dogs leader they will not respect you and this is when most dog behavioral problems begin.

It is not possible to have a healthy relationship with your dog if he considers himself to be your equal or worse still if he believes he is above you in the pecking order. It is extremely important that you establish yourself as the dominant one in the relationship.

There are a number of things you can do to establish dominance over your dog.

1. Controlling food is one very important factor. Create a feeding schedule, twice a day and remove any uneaten food after 20 minutes. Get your dog to sit and stay before he gets fed.

2. Spend 10 to 20 minutes every day teaching or refreshing your dogs basic obedience commands such as sit, stay and come. It is important to reward him for good behaviour and do not ignore bad behaviour.

3. Once you feel he is comfortable with basic commands you can move on to tricks and more advanced commands. It is only by continually reinforcing these commands that you can maintain dominance over your dog.

4. You could take your dog to a professional for obedience training but there are also several good books available which will show you how to train him and eliminate dog behavioral problems.

Remember if you are having dog behavioral problems that the most important thing is patience. If you want to teach your dog to be well behaved and obedient, it is important to make sure he/she understands your commands. You can get a comprehensive dog training handbook at http://www.thedogtrainingsite.info covering all aspects of dog ownership, from understanding your dog to problem-solving to complete obedience work.

About the Author

Eoin McDonnell is an engineer who has had several dogs and cats over the years. He has learned the importance of obedience training with dogs as a benefit for both the owner AND the dog and establishing a happy relationship with your dog which will last his/her whole life.

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