Dog 101

Ok, time to talk about a favorite subject of mine: Dogs. :P They are such popular pets, and we love 'em to death, but I do notice a few things people don't do. So I'm just going to touch on a few subjects important to owning a Dog.

1. Training:

I see a lot of dogs who's owners don't take the time to train them to behave. While I know this can be a very long, and sometimes frustrating process, it is necessary to owning a dog. Dogs need to learn not to jump, to stay in their own yards, how to walk on a leash and behave with other dogs, at the very least. When they aren't taught these things, it can lead to a host of problems, which are not safe for anyone involved. Dogs who pull on the leash can hurt whoever is walking them, not to mention, it's very bad manners. Dogs who jump can knock people over, plus it is a behavior that can lead to different problems later on. Dogs who don't stay in their yards can cause trouble in their neighborhoods, get hit by a car, or get lost forever. Not to mention, some neighbors can get testy and resort to what they will call "defending their yards" using BB Guns, sling shots or calling Animal Control. There are tons of resources available t help you train your dog, so make good use of them. It may take you a while to finds the methods that will work for you, but in the end it's worth it. And if your dog develops severe behavioral issues, like aggression, territorial behavior, etc. please don't ignore them or isolate them. Try to solve the problem, even if it means contacting Trainers.
I suggest every dog learn the following:
Come
Sit
Stay
Lie down
Getting off the furniture when asked, and not getting on unless invited
Staying out of the room when the family is eating meals
Heeling on a leash (not just walking nicely, heeling)
Waiting to go in and out of doorways
Drop it
Yard boundaries
Proper Socialization with people/others pets

2. Exercise:

This is a really big problem that I see. People own dogs, but they often don't give them the proper exercise. Dogs need things to do, especially breeds who were made to work. Collies for example, were bred to herd sheep, so if they don't get exercise, they are going to resort to barking, chewing, and a host of other behaviors. Research the breed of dog who own, and figure out what it was made to do, then adjust his exercise schedule accordingly. Of course, not all of us own sheep/cows, or need hunting dogs or guard dogs. But there are other ways to drain our dog's energy. Building an at-home agility course is fairly inexpensive and fun for both you and your dog, and gives him mental and physical stimulation. Long walks are also helpful, and not just once every so often. Every day at least is best. You can buy your dog a backpack to carry on walks and load it with water bottles for the appropriate weight. Bike riding is also an option. And if you have a treadmill, don't hesitate to train your dog to run on it! All you need is a leash and some food. And of course the good old game of fetch the ball, and there are some great puzzle toys you can purchase for them while you're not home. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!

My Dog is a Boxer/Jack Russell mix, and he's really hyper. I've got the makings of an Agility Course in my yard, he has a backpack we take on walks, and he has a favorite toy he likes to chase. If I had a treadmill, I'd use that too. :D And we have a lot of fun, sometimes I even have him pull the two year od around in his wagon. He's not the most enthusiastic agility dog in the world, but he's learning. XD

It may take some time, but learn to really know your dog so you can take advantage of what makes him tick and make him healthier and happier.