TEACHING OFF

Many times people ask how to keep my dog off of furniture, jumping up on people, or chewing?  The first step is teaching OFF.  Set a treat on the floor, as your dog lunges for the treat quickly pick up the treat, and firmly command, “OFF”.   Keep repeating until your dog stops lunging and just looks at the treat on the floor.  Then pick up the treat and offer it to your dog be saying, “Take It”.  You may have to kneel next to the treat or even on your dog’s leash to prevent your dog from quickly grabbing the treat before you can pick it up.  Once your dog responds to the off then you can move to the food dish and repeat the same process.  This should take a couple of weeks, and then your dog will start to understand what “OFF” means.  Check next month’s tail tip for the next step in preventing jumping up.

Preparation for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and planning of the holiday festivities are in the process.  Making some plans for your canine friend is also in order.

Some things to consider:

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Crate Training

Providing your puppy or dog with an indoor kennel or crate can satisfy many dogs’ need for their own personal space, which is a secure place for your dog.  I use the word “crate” loosely – any small area where your dog is comfortable and can’t get into a lot of trouble will do – from crates, to kennels to small rooms.  Besides being an effective housebreaking tool (because it takes advantage of the dog’s natural reluctance to soil its sleeping place), it can also help to reduce separation anxiety, which will help in preventing destructive behavior in your home.  Just remember the place is not a punishment, it is a place for your dog to call home and relax in.  It is their own personal space to rest in or to just “hang-out”.

All your dog needs to learn is:  CRATE = Feeling Good.

More on crate training in next month’s tail tips.

From the tail end of the dog to the other, did you know?

Did you know that a dog has 250 billion scent receptors?  When a dog is learning and communicating they are using all of their senses from sight, sound, and sent.  Knowing the scent is so incredibly high, use it to challenge your dog and interact in games using their nose.  No matter what the breed is from the toy breeds to the working breeds they all love to use their nose.  Be creative and think of games to play with your canine friend.   For example hiding treats throughout the house, or a special toy and asking your dog to find them.   Make sure to reward your dog when they find that special toy.  Play with them and the toy, and then repeat the process.  Your dog will enjoy the game and so will you!