HOW TO HAVE A DOG
WITH MANNERS 
HOW TO HAVE A DOG
WITH MANNERS |
Socialization:
Have your dog experience everything you ever want it to feel comfortable around during
your first few months together.
2. Other dogs and cats
3. Different environments (other people’s houses, kennels, etc.)
4. Cars: Don't make the mistake of only putting your dog in the car to take him to the vet. Drive him to the park or take him with you to the store. However, remember not to leave your dog in the car in hot weather! Heat stroke can set in faster than you think and can cause brain damage. Always provide the dog with water and leave the windows open a crack, even in cold weather. If the temperature is above 60 degrees, park in the shade. If it is above 80 degrees, leave the car on with the air conditioner running.
Obedience training: Obedience training greatly
improves your relationship with your dog and is essential in providing the dog with the
structured environment dogs crave. A class using positive training methods
(without harsh corrections) is recommended for the best results and the best overall
relationship. The small amount of time and money spent on a dog obedience
class really goes a long way towards maintaining manners. See these guidelines for selecting a dog trainer.
Leadership:
Remember that dogs are pack animals, not people. They demand leadership. If
you do not provide it, the dog will assume the head-of-the-household position.
Moreover, if you do not provide your dog with constructive ways to utilize his
intelligence, he may get himself into trouble out of sheer boredom.
Watchdogs: Many people make the mistake of
thinking that they have to teach their dog to be "mean" in order for it to
become a good watchdog. Almost all breeds will naturally defend their territory without
any training at all. Remember that the strongest reason for a dog to defend you is his
bond to you -- if you teach him yourself to be mean, (by "pretending" to
be a robber) the dog will not understand and that bond will be missing and he probably
won’t want to defend you! (Not to mention the liability you face if he attacks the
wrong person.) If the only reason you desire a dog is for watchdog purposes, see a
professional watchdog trainer -- you’ll be impressed at how complicated and
well-thought-out the training actually is. Remember also that even the best watch dog will
only guard the territory he considers his own. If you have an "outdoor only"
dog, don't expect him to bark if someone enters your house; he's only going to bark if
someone comes near his house or his food bowl.
Local Raleigh, NC obedience class.
This page was last updated on 07/17/03.
The Choosing the Perfect Dog Web site is based upon a class designed by Michele Godlevski in 1994. This class was featured in the AKC Gazette in 1995.
Black & white drawings by Jane Finneran.
None of the images on this page may be
used without permission.
Site and text written by Michele Godlevski.