Correcting Unacceptable Behavior in Your Dog
No matter how much we love our dog, there are always things that they do, that will drive us up the wall. Often, this behavior also has an effect on our neighbors and can mean strained relationships.
There are two behavior problems that can be particularly problematic if your dog is prone to exhibit them. These are excessive barking and digging up the back yard.
A dog will bark for a number of reasons. He may hear something in the distance that excites him, or maybe he senses danger and wants to alert you. Quite often though, it is a case of your dog thinking that you are not paying him enough attention! Many dogs will bark excessively when they are left alone for long periods at a time.
Stopping your dog from barking excessively is not difficult, but as with all dog training, it can take a lot of time and patience on the part of the owner.
If you think that your dog is barking because he is alone and worried, then try taping a family conversation and put it on a continuous link player. Your dog may be calmed by the sound of your voice. If this is not possible, leaving the television on a talk station often has the same effect.
If your dog barks a lot while you are with him, then these simple methods may help. If he barks when he is on a leash with you, then a sharp and firm tug on the leash and a firm 'no' command should be all that is needed to stop him. However, if this does not work then a more effective method is to carry half a lemon with you. When he barks put some juice on his lips. He will soon get the message that barking equals something nasty!
Why is my dog digging, and digging, and digging...
Digging is a particularly annoying habit that your dog can easily get into. It can be embarrassing to find that once again, your neighbors prize roses have been dug up!
Before dogs became domesticated, they would bury their food to return to later on. The modern day equivalent is when your dog buries his bone or favorite toys. However, often a dog will dig just for the fun of it! He may be bored, or have excess energy that he needs to use up. Digging can provide a welcome diversion.
The best way to stop your dog from digging is to find out why he does it. It is worth watching your dog while he is in the yard and recording his behavior. Does he seem bored? Often all it takes is a lot of very vigorous exercise before leaving your dog in the yard. That way he will be too tired to dig!
Correcting unacceptable behavior in your dog is vital if he, you and your neighbors are to live in harmony with each other.
