The importance of play and training your dog.
Puppies and dogs that learn to play with humans grow into dogs that see humans as a source of fun. These dogs will probably have a better life in a human world than dogs that have only ever played with other dogs.
Regular positive activity with your puppy or dog will help develop a strong bond between the two of you. Dogs are very social animals and need a loving bond and relationship and this can be established through play with dog toys.
What better way to have a game than with your best friends favourite dog toys. Dog toys can be a valuable tool for training too. How about teaching your dog to retrieve using a ball thrower, or teaching him to ‘leave’ using a rope dog toy. Dog toys are great to get your recall down to perfection too, try taking some toys out on your walk and practice calling your dog, every time he returns get out a toy and have a great game, this way your dog associates coming back to you as a positive experience.
Another fantastic toy for your dog are food dispensing toys, these are toys that you can fill with food and then your dog will spend his time trying to get the food out. They are great to give your dog if you are going out and leaving him for a while as they will keep him busy. Try our ‘kong style' dog toys or our small dog ball which will be in stock very soon.
If you are unsure what sort of toys will suit your dogs age, breed and needs please feel free to contact us and we will try to assist you.
As a dog trainer i get asked many questions on how to rectify problems with pet dogs, below are some tips on how to cure the most common problems.
JUMPING UP
Dogs jump up as a way of greeting people, it normally starts when your small puppy jumps up for attention and everyone is delighted by this welcome, its not so welcome with a fully grown dog with muddy paws.
The way in which to cure this behaviour is to totally ignore the dog when it jumps up, fold your arms and turn your back, do not speak to or touch the dog. Only when the dog has all 4 feet on the floor should you QUIETLY greet the dog. As soon as the dog jumps again turn your back and totally ignore it. The key to success here has to be consistency, all family members and anyone that enters your house must follow the rules for this to be a success.
PUPPY BITING
Puppies and dogs use their mouth as we would our hands, most puppies play bite, it is up to you to teach the dog that this is unacceptable. This should be taught from day one of bringing your puppy home. As soon as the pup bites your hands, feet etc you need to give a firm ‘OUCH’ or ‘NO’ command then walk away from the pup, the dog needs to understand that if he uses his mouth on you then the game or attention immediately stops. Another method is to put a dog toy straight into his mouth as soon as he trys to bite this way he learn that he can chew what belongs ‘to him’ but not you!!
As with all training consistency again is the key, anyone who has contact with the pup needs to follow this.
PULLING ON THE LEAD
This is another problem for a lot of dog owners, the dog that drags them own the road like a train! Again if you teach your puppy from the first walk how to walk correctly the problem should nt arise when the dog is an adult. The best way to teach a dog the correct way to walk is the correct him every time he pulls, so as soon as the lead becomes tight and you can feel the dog pull you are going to turn on the spot and start walking in the other direction at the same time use the command ‘HEEL’ or ‘CLOSE’ etc. The turn around needs to be a quick sharp turn, you shouldn't call the dog and wait for him to turn when he's ready, if you turn and walk in the other direction he HAS to come with you! You walk a few steps in the other direction and when you feel you have his attention turn back to the correct direction and carry on, repeat this every time he pulls. Choke chains will NOT stop a dog from pulling in fact they generally make it worse, I would always suggest a ‘stop pull’ harness or a ‘head collar’.
GETTING YOUR DOG TO WEAR A HEAD COLLAR
The biggest mistake people make with a head collar is that they put it straight on the dog and expect it to walk perfectly down the road, this is not the case!! You have to get the dog used to wearing it first. I would generally allow 1-2 weeks of indoor use before I would walk the dog outside in the head collar. What I mean by this is that I would put the collar on, (do not attach to collar or lead) in the house and then I would give the dog a few treats then remove it, repeat this a few times for the first day, then I would progress by feeding the dog whilst he is wearing the collar, playing a game with the dog whilst wearing the collar etc. You need to get the dog to associate the collar with good things. Once you feel the dog is comfortable with wearing the collar then you can walk him in the collar but do not attach the lead to the head collar, just let him wear it whilst the lead is attached to his normal collar. I would then walk him like this for a further few day before actually using the head collar and lead together.
Please note—never leave a dog unattended whilst wearing a head collar.
TEACHING THE RECALL
The key to success here is to make yourself the most interesting exciting thing that your dog could possibly come across at the park, go armed with your dogs favourite toys, treats etc. If you and your dog are having fun the chances are he will not be looking for other things to do anyway. Practice calling your dog to you while there are no distractions around, every time he comes back reward with a treat or a game with his favourite dog toy, if you struggle getting your dog back try running in the other direction, laying on the floor or squeaking a toy to get his attention. If the dog is not responding try not to keep calling his name as he will just learn that he does not need to respond, the key is to call him when he is approaching you. Make sure you recall your dog several times on a walk and then release him again so that the dog doesn't associate the recall with going back on the lead! Also never ever punish a dog when it does finally return to you even if its been hours you still need to grit your teeth and give him lots of praise!!
