Training your dog
Why is training important?
Some people just want a dog as a companion, and don’t want a performing animal which does tricks. However, not all training is to do with putting on dance performances, most is concerned with simple obedience so that the dog can go out, meet other dogs without a problem, socialise with humans and generally be a happy confident dog who nonetheless does as it is told when it is necessary, for instance when there is danger and you need to have control. A dog who thinks he’s his own master will be a problem at some point, if only by running out into a road after another dog or from fear. A large dog, if untrained, is capable of pulling an adult over with a sudden lunge, so you need to have complete control when out, or you or someone else could be put in danger, including the dog.
Most dogs are not aggressive, but some, especially males, will exhibit dominance at times, and need to be made aware that they are the junior and must behave. This needs to be understood as most problem dogs are those whose owners haven’t for one reason or another made this clear, so the dog is torn between its desire to be ‘top dog’ and its relationship with its adoptive parents as child. Any attempts to dominate must be nipped in the bud, if not, the dog will gain in confidence of its perceived role and become more uncontrolled, and could be unpredictable in some circumstances. This doesn’t mean it will be a happy dog, and you will never be sure of it in all circumstances.
Ignore those who say a dog mustn’t share your bed or be allowed to lie on your sofa, this is nonsense and propagated by people who believe a dog must be dominated and scared of you in order to be obedient. If you don’t want a dog on your furniture or bed, then that’s fine, you decide. But if you don’t care, and are happy to share all your space with your dog, that’s ok too. They won’t, as a result, disrespect you and think they own you or your space. Some people get a cage for their dog, to which it can retire for security if ever feeling a lack of confidence. This isn't used as a punishment, it is a secure, safe, den for the puppy to relax in, and some pups will prefer it if left alone. It could save on chewed objects if you have to leave them. Whatever you decide, be consistent, nothing confuses a dog more than changing tolerance levels and requirements, they will be unsure they have understood you.
Dogs instinctively like to do things, and are happiest when they have a defined role and can please their human by doing what they have been trained to do. This doesn’t have to be tricks, but basic things like waiting to cross the road and not lunging at other dogs; sitting on command is a useful tool here as no dog can lunge whilst sitting. To gain control is a slow process even with a bright dog who is eager to learn, but the rewards are a happy confident dog who wants to please you and is a pleasure to be with and to take out.
Dogs are rubbish at goodbyes, their thing is greetings on return. Try not to make too much fuss when you return home from an outing and have left your dog in the house. They will greet you enthusiastically, but if you reciprocate, you will reinforce their anxiety at being left alone, and the next time they will be even more effusive, but it will be becuase they have wound themselves up expecting your return and the excitement of your over-the-top greeting. Keep it warm and calm, get them over the excitement quickly by diverting their attention. Make it all matter of fact and the dog will get the message that it's nothing to bother about, and will be more relaxed while you are gone.
A site which provides lots of guidance on training your puppy or older dog at home is http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/ and another is K9obedience a great site for advice on training your dog as well as a wealth of information on breeds
Puppy training classes run by qualified trainers are often available locally, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers [APDT] has a list of all their registered trainers here. Photographs below are courtesy of the dog owners in the class run by Jude McDermott [a member of the APDT] at All Laughing Dogs Training for dog owners in Knighton, Powys and Ludlow, Shropshire. For other areas consult the APDT website for your nearest trainer. You may have seen American Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer on TV, he has lots of useful advice on his website where you can even ask questions, as well as read about his pack and training methods. Lots of great dog pictures too.
An eager to learn puppy Reuben trying to be good
Learning to walk to heel is probably the most important skill every dog needs to learn
Training is more for the humans to learn how to train their dog, but the dogs enjoy it too. Sitting and staying are very important also, as well as coming when called. Here Milo, a hyperactive Jack Russel, tries hard to stay.
Being a responsible dog owner
It is your responsibility to clean up after your dog when you take her out. While the majority of dog owners are totally responsible people and take this issue seriously, a small minority still don't and cause agravation for all dog owners and dogs by angering people who don't have or like dogs.
This minority ensure that dog fouling provides ammunition for those who are anti-dog ownership and who wish to restrict dogs from using public spaces like parks. If all owners cleaned up after their dogs - and there are now plenty of dog-poo bins everywhere - the anti-dog lobby would have nothing to complain about. As it stands though, they complain not just about the unpleasantness of getting dog shit on their shoes, but also of the health issues involved; toxocariasis is constantly cited in arguments about dog mess, and, while extremely rare [much rarer than the hysterical reactions and press coverage would suggest], it is real and even though only an average of 10 cases of infection of humans are recorded each year, there is no reason they should get ill because of your laziness. The worm [it's the roundworm] can, if untreated, cause blindness, but due to advances in treatment the potential risk of blindness is now a very rare complication of toxocariasis.
The eggs of the Toxocara canis worm if deposited in soil can remain dormant for as long as three years, temperature changes don't affect them, and they are resistant to disinfectant. Only 5 percent of dogs are infected with Toxocara canis, and most of these are puppies between two weeks and six months old, and some pregnant bitches. You should always clear up your dog's mess, no matter where it is, and bags are readily available in pet shops and supermarkets for this purpose; there are even biodegradable plastic bags now, which will compost along with their contents, so if you are concerned about adding more plastic to the environment, look out for these.
If there are specific areas in a park that are reserved for children's play areas, respect them and don't let your dog into them. Whether they mess or not, some people are afraid of dogs and don't want their children near them. However aberated and unnatural you think this attitude is, you must respect their point of view and not force your dog on them. Local authorities put up signs where dogs are not allowed, make sure to note these and obey them, otherwise you can be fined.
Out of town, some think that the countryside is ok to foul in, but, other than really wild areas rarely visited by humans, you should still clear up after your dog; country parks and woodland can be spoiled by dog mess everywhere, and picnic areas where children might play are particularly off limits for dog fouling. Always carry a supply of bags, they are small and a dozen easily fit into a hip pocket. If you see another dog owner failing to clear up, offer them a bag; they may have used theirs up, or forgotten to bring them, and if they are one of those who don't bother, it's a non-confrontational way of reminding them of their responsibility. Bags are now available which are biodegradeable, so you don't have to worry about putting yet more plastic into the environment.
You should worm your dog once a year, and after picking up their mess, on returning home you should wash your hands before touching anything else. In other words basic hygiene.