ü Most dogs are re-homed or end up in rescue centers as the owners can no longer cope with their behaviour, costs and the time it takes to look after that breed of dog
ü Crossbreeds may have many of the behaviours found in the all the breeds they have in been bred from - it does not make them easier
ü Dogs bred for working are NOT for pet homes, unless you wish to work them or have a very active lifestyle they can join in
ü BREEDERS - CHECK OWNERS INTENTIONS THOROUGHLY
ü We must also understand that as we get older we may not be able to cope with the dog we had last time - we may have less time and energy for this breed of dog
ü Every dog is different - do not expect your next dog to be the same as your last as this is unfair and makes many people and dogs unhappy
ü DO YOU RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING ANY DOG - find out what the dog will genetically like to do!
© 2008 Sian Powell
Secondly consider:-
The most common problems I see
1. Working breeds of dogs in pet dog homes, causing boredom and frustration - leading to behaviour problems
2. Guarding and Bull type breeds in homes where people can not cope with their natural behaviours or know how to handle them correctly
3. Dogs treated as a little human - causing serious separation and behaviour issues
4. Miss understanding of canine behaviour and training - due to reading too many/wrong books and watching "edited" TV dog training programmes
5. Expecting a dog to understand and know better
6. Physical problems due to poor/incorrect diet and breeding
7. BORED DOGS
8. Dogs brought without consideration of the time and cost needed to groom it – resulting in seriously matted coat and aggression issues with grooming and handling
9. Lack of socialization as a puppy, through to adolescence
10. Lack of training, rules and boundaries from an early age
Behaviour and training problems in dogs are caused by the above reasons. They are nothing more than the dog acting on instincts and learnt behaviour due to lack of understanding, correct handling and training.
Next remember:
You need the time to train and socialise a dog well into their adult life -
or else the dog may well:-
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dig
chase
bark
bite
pull on the lead
and...
not come when called |
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© Marianne Calucutt 2008
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© Sian Powell 2008 |
Finally:-
What ever breed of dog you chose to take on - remember:-
v DOGS WANT A LIFE AND FUN - JUST LIKE US and fun can happen anywhere!
v To study the breed/s first – before you even look at the dogs and see what they will need as far as physical and mental stimulation is concerned
v Dogs need a relationship built on trust and boundaries
v ..Abuse is not a way to get this
v Dogs DO NOT WANT TO BE A PACK LEADER - they need you to guide them
v Dogs take opportunities to get whats best for them - like young children - nothing more…so give them the right ones
v Frightened dogs find relief from you taking control - not comforting them and giving them more control
v Consistent boundaries and rules prevent "pushy" dogs from testing the boundaries and help them to relax
v Find a good qualified dog trainer and follow their advice
v Socialise and train your dog positively from day one
v Accept your dogs faults - we all have faults - learn to manage them and not focus on them
©Sian Powell 2008
and remember...
" your dog wont end your relationship because they just can't be the dog you want them to be or you are not good enough for them...they just keep on guessing and trying ..."
..help them to get it right..give them a chance to be that dog you want.
