In general, humans do not possess some second knack or nature for being able to care for dogs. In general too, a lot of dogs around nowadays have sub-standard manners, having grown up with humans who allowed them to end up that way. Sometimes, the best (or worst) that these owners can manage are some training full of loopholes, or just a lot of rough treatment and manhandling (or dog handling, if you will).
Of course, to those of us who can choose, we would rather coach our dog how to behave the right way. Deep in our consciences, we all know we need to avoid treating these intelligent animals as clueless cuties and start putting into action some management methods. This way our pet grows up with a healthy personality and solid character.
Is your dog a work dog, a toy dog, or something of both? Implementing the seven simple rules below will be a big help to steering your dog's maturity in the right direction. Just like, say, portuguese water dog training in the case of Porties, these tips show that you are in charge as pack leader, and that the dog only needs to follow and obey to be happy.
Soon you will notice that your dog is more relaxed and is less yappy, jumpy, barking, etc. Why? This is because your dog has shipped out of his system certain "emotional baggage", and is not bogged down by the idea of being alpha leader, i.e. running your house and the family pack (all family members and family dogs).
1. While the dog is - or the dogs are - indeed part and parcel of the family, every human in the house must be higher in the pecking order than the dog(s).
2. When you get back from work, ignore completely the dog for the first 5 to 10 minutes. Complete means totally no eye contact, no talking, no reaction, no nothing.
3. Begin giving your dog positive motivation so he gets used to staying in a crate; this basically means rewarding him for being able to stay inside a crate. Train him to stay for a few seconds, then the next week a few minutes, then the next, at least 15 minutes.
Overtime, with each session lasting 10 minutes, put your dog in a crate then ignore them, or tie them to a post, then again, ignore them. Do this thrice a week for the first 12 weeks, after which you can crate them ever so often. When the dog is in the crate or is leashed, there must be no communication whatsoever between him and his humans.
4. The coming and going of visitors to your home needs to be low-key and discreet.
5. Get your dog to go on exercises on a daily basis. This time, activities need to go beyond walking. If it is possible to train them to retrieve, do so. Running will also be appreciated by the dog.
6. Be the first to eat meals, and let the dog wait on you. While eating, do not give the dog any of the scraps. He can eat the moment you are done.
7. All guests and family members must agree to stick to the above rules.
And no, your responsibility does not stop there. At least one or two of the above will have to accommodated to your dog's unique situation. A portuguese water dog training can only be for Porties, of course. But it needs to be clear that well-behaved dogs really do exist. It is just as critically important to find the time and effort to teach your dog each of the rules!
Richard Cussons believes that the
portuguese water dog breed makes an ideal family pet. Check out portuguesewaterdogsavvy.com and discover
portuguese water dog training tips effective in creating a well-behaved dog everybody loves.
