By Josiah Neuman CMT
Neuman K-9 Academy, Inc.
This article is dedicated to the estimated 8-10 million dogs, that
will be surrendered in 2009. These dogs will end up in shelters, at the
pound, or put to sleep (euthanized). In most cases, these dogs are
surrendered due to problematic behavioral issues, that can easily be
addressed.
The majority of these behaviors range from chewing up shoes, poor
etiquette (jumping up on people), or dogs that are not house broken. At
times, Neuman K-9 Academy is the 'end of the road' for these dogs, and
the goal is to change these bad habits. This article, will explain exactly how we do that.
There are four things we establish and introduce, so that we can produce a well behaved canine.
1. Crate Training
2. Socialization
3. Obedience Training
4. Excercise Daily
Crate training is at the top of the list for a reason. Its use is
essential for house breaking a dog, preventing destructive behavior,
and is the means of providing your dog with a 'safe place' to relax or sleep. Dogs are
cave dwelling creatures, and the crate becomes a familiar and favorable
place over time.
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Socializing a dog is more than taking it to the same park, meeting the same people, and playing with the same dogs. An unsocial dog cannot go out and experience life, or make a trip to the vet's
office. Each year it will become a bigger and bigger issue. Socializing your
dog is getting out and seeing new things, meeting new people, and
learning to deal with adversity. We recommend socializing your dog at
pace that is safe, yet challenging, to help them grow mentally.
Obedience training is more than teaching a dog how to sit or
lie down. Dogs are capable of doing that without help. Good
training establishes control; walking on leash without pulling, not
jumping up on people, coming on command, or general etiquette. Good
obedience ensures quality time spent with you, whether at home, on a walk, or at
the park.
Exercise and/or physical conditioning is critical to your
dog's health. It helps channel energy in a positive way, that otherwise could turn into destructive behavior. Well exercised dogs have a healthy
appetite, sleep well at night, and generally speaking, are better
behaved companions.
These four categories are the blue print for reshaping problematic
behavior. I believe in taking proactive measures, or getting a jump start on the
problem. This is the best way to shape canine behavior. It allows us to
prevent the behavior from happening, and enables us to maintain control
of the situation, at all times. Yes, you can train an old dog new
tricks!
If you would like more information about the types of training offered by Neuman K-9 Academy click here!
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