Dog Training And Behavior Tips

Before I cover dog training and behavior tips, a word about dog packs. A group of dogs is a pack, but that does not imply the group has a defined hierarchy like a wolf pack. In domesticated dogs it means a group living together. A sled dog yard is considered a pack (and a family living with one dog can be considered a pack.) Social structure is very important to dogs whether that means living with humans or living with other dogs. It is much easier for a dog to learn social skills from other dogs.

Okay, here are my top dog training and behavior tips for your pet husky dog.

1. Dogs Are Not Children I know it might seem counterintuitive, but a dog does not understand attention such as hugging and kissing the same way a human child does. Dogs do not like to be squeezed and petted by strangers any more than humans do. It's important to respect your dogs sense of space, especially around strangers.

2. Dog Politics Dogs have human problems. That means whatever problems you and your family have, your dog also has. This can go a long way in discovering why your dog acts as he does.

3. Food Rewards. If your dog found a snack in the garbage getting into the garbage is rewarding. It's like finding money to us humans. Dogs like to be paid for working (commands) as much as we do. Especially for really hard jobs like coming when called and staying when there's a really cool squirrel to chase. If you want a well behaved dog, teach him that listening to you is a well paying job.

4. Dogs Do What Works It is really that simple. If blasting past you out the door gets fun in the yard, then blasting out the door works. If chewing on the dining room table legs satisfies boredom, then chewing on table legs works. When looking for solutions in dog training, train your dog that listening to you is the greatest of all rewards - and that will work for both of you.

5. Do Not Allow Out Of Control Behavior Other dogs do not allow it and neither should you. This is an important dog training and behavior tip. Out of control behavior is a dog that greets wildly, table surfs, or is unable to settle down. Crate training can help control that kind of behavior. The crate provides the environment, but you must provide the calming energy around the crate.

6. A Leader Is Not Aggressive This distinction is very important! Aggression is scary to a dog. You can lead your dog and not be aggressive. Often humans confuse these two terms. A bully is aggressive. People do not respect bullies because they are afraid of them.

7. Behavior is Behavior This is the best dog training and behavior tip. No matter what you call it; bad behavior, aggressive behavior, submissive behavior, shyness, or good behavior to your dog it is all behavior. To a human this is the description of how your dog is acting. Naming the behavior does not solve it. Training behaviors you want is the solution.

8. Training is a Two Way Street Expecting compliance is not a two way street. Dogs do not come trained as pets. We have to teach them everything from riding in a car to living in our house. They are not born with those skills.

9. You Can't Train Your Dog When You're Not Home An isolated dog (inside or outside) cannot train himself. An isolated dog never learns how to interact with his family (or other dogs for that matter). An isolated dog is set up to fail.

10. Training Tools Are Just Tools Shock collars, choke chains, anti-jumping devices, and barking devices are just tools. Sometimes tools help get the job done, but other times tools are weapons. If frustration and anger are behind using the tool it is a weapon. The affects of these kinds of tools has been scientifically proven less effective than positive reinforcement. Most of the time these methods instill fear and stress which has been proven to slow down learning. Even when the stress or fear is mild.

These dog training and behavior tips are a guide. Dogs are individuals andm any problems arise when a dog is not given enough time to solidly bond with his human. Problems also stem from humans expecting too much too soon. Dogs do not come trained as pets, we have teach them every step of the way.

A dog has to learn to trust you, and trust may take time depending on your dogs experiences. Lasting friendships are built over time. Keep this in mind while you are working with your dog. No amount of dog training and behavior tips, special training devices, behavior modification seminars, or dog daycare playtime can be a substitute for quality time spent with your dog.

Exercise is the easiest way to teach dog training and behavior

Dr. Ian Dunbar is the behavior guru. He is a compassionate behaviorist backed up by years of research.