Are You Doing All You Can to Help Your Dog?

By: Jean Smith

To help a puppy fit into the family scene he needs to understand there is a daily schedule. This takes into account the times of feeding, exercise, training and outdoor airings. These events begin the bonding process. If there is no schedule a pet can become a pest continually asking for his needs to be met.

A newly adopted dog will be extremely nervous about his new environment until he understands where and when meals are served, where the water dish is located, what is his territory, where does he sleep, and understanding his place of refuge both in the house and outside.

if you do not carefully show your dog how and where to fulfill these basic needs, he will decide for himself and take over you and your home.

Your dog needs to understand that you are the boss. Training is the key to establishing yourself as the boss. Repeating the same words and phrases every day will help. Making training sessions the big event of the day will cement that understanding.

When giving obedience lessons your choice of training equipment can make the difference in a successful outcome. For example, the dumbbell is the tool used to help your dog understand the fetch command. Reviewing each new command until it becomes a habit is the way to help your dog retain the skill.

If you are working with a puppy give lessons of short duration for the first six months. That strategy is to help keep your pup enthusiastic about the lesson. Other common mistakes are expecting too much too soon, working off-leash, and stopping the obedience lessons after a short course.

Your dog is like a teenager and will continually test you up to two years of age. You may have worked very hard on a particular lesson, and it appears your dog cannot understand it. But do not give up. I have found just when I am ready to throw in the towel my dog suddenly performs that lesson perfectly.

Dogs have a special gift that is unique to their species. They are born with an innate desire to please. No food is necessary to accomplish lessons. Rewards of dog biscuits are suggested only for housebreaking and crate-training. In all other instances, dogs will work their hearts out for the big prize of hearing the words good dog. Showing your dog what you want and praising when he performs well is the way to best help your dog.

In conclusion, construct and continue a daily schedule which includes a walk. Teach your dog words and obedience needed for communication. The most helpful thing you could do for your dog as he grows older is a daily 10 minute basic obedience session. This is because lesson time is when your dog has 100 per cent of you. Your complete focus on him is what your dog craves. It seems little to give for so much to receive from your dog in terms of affection and loyalty.