When your dog has a behavior problem, here’s what to do.

While you might not be thrilled at some of the behaviors your faithful companion has taken on… you need to realize that your dog isn’t at all bothered by digging, barking, chewing, jumping, begging for table scraps, chasing cars, getting into the garbage, being aggressive toward other dogs —these behaviors are a part of who he is, and has been through the centuries. They are behaviors he (or she) would have used out in the wild. Your dog isn’t digging up your garden or chewing on your new shoes to spite you…  he’s not barking because he’s angry or feeling neglected — he does these things because they come naturally to him. There’s nothing more to it than that.

Once you understand and accept this, you’ll be in the right frame of mind to change the bothersome behavior once and for all. The trick to being successful isn’t at all about brute force or intimidation — it’s all about using your dog’s natural inclinations to help you correct the behaviors you don’t like while still keeping the warm, loving relationship you want to have with your best friend. It can be done, but it takes time and a consistent effort to turn those behaviors around.

As you work to change your dog’s bad habits, keep in mind that…

·              Your dog needs enough exercise for his age and breed. Too little exercise gives him endless energy to dig, to chew, or to pursue other problem habits. But, if his energy is spent on walks or runs in the park he isn’t likely to have anything left over for bad behavior.

·              Your dog needs your time and attention — you’ve heard it before, dogs are social animals. You and the members of your household are your dog’s pack and he wants to be with you as much as he can. Many bad behaviors stem from the dog not having enough time, attention and guidance about what’s expected and what’s not.

·              A visit to the vet might be in order so you can talk about what’s going on; sometimes bad behavior can stem from pain, an infection, hormone imbalance or other physical problem — all of which need to be ruled out first. Other times behavior problems come from an inborn tendency of the breed. In either case, an honest talk with your vet can give you a clue about what you’re up against.

·              You need to catch your dog in the act so that your displeasure can be clearly linked with the act. Reprimand your dog while he’s nose deep in the hole, not when you find your garden overturned. A dog just can’t connect your screaming (or punishment) now with what he’s done in the past — to him your temper is not in any way connected to that chewed-up pair of shoes. Over time dogs deal with what they see as unpredictable anger by loosing trust in you, which brings on even more problems.

·              You need to look for the source of the behavior — consider things other than not enough exercise or time with the family as reasons for what’s happening. Some dogs tolerate being alone all day, others don’t. A recent move or the arrival of a new pet (or baby) in the home are other sources of upset you should think about.

If you’re struggling with problem behaviors that go beyond what can be handled by these suggestions, you may want to consider seeking professional help, which comes in one of two varieties.

A dog trainer will help you handle more straightforward obedience issues (jumping up on people or furniture, chewing or housetraining problems) so that you establish the communication needed to get your dog to understand what’s expected of him.

In cases where a dog’s behavior is motivated by fear, aggression or anxiety an animal behaviorist may be your only hope of handling the problem. These pros have advanced training and will work with you and your dog to get at the root of the problem, and then help you change the behavior to something more acceptable.

In some cases, intervention by an animal behaviorist is the only hope of keeping the dog with the family. Learn more about these unique specialists at http://www.canines.com/ or find one in your area at http://animalbehaviorcounselors.org/

The good news is that even the worst behaviors can be changed, so long as you stay consistent and keep working on the problem. Talk with other dog owners to see what worked for them. Learn all you can.

Twelve smart tips for keeping your dog

happy and healthy today, and for years to come.

You love your dog to death and want to keep him (or her) healthy and happy for years to come. The good news is this isn’t difficult —it involves regular medical care, good eating habits and plenty of fresh air and exercise. Coincidentally, these are the very same things that keep you and I healthy. Of course, since your four-footed friend can’t do any of this for himself, he needs you to take the lead.

Here’s what you can do to keep your dog (young or old) happy and healthy:

1.            Find the best veterinarian you can — someone you feel comfortable talking to and can afford to see. The practice location, financial policies and hours should be convenient, and the philosophy of the vet should agree with your own personal one.

2.            Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date by making (and keeping) appointments for regular checkups at least once per year; every six months for an older dog.

3.            Feed your dog the best food you can afford — better quality food can help your dog stay healthy, have a shinier, more glossy coat, better smelling breath, more energy and surprisingly also results in smaller, less odorous stools.

4.            Resist the temptation to overfeed — obesity in dogs, like in people, is on the rise and can bring on diseases like diabetes and other conditions that are difficult to manage and treat.

5.            Consider adding dietary supplements to your dog’s diet —glucosamine or chondroitin for example are used to protect against arthritis.

6.            Attend to your dog’s dental health as well — this will keep his teeth looking good and his breath bearable.

7.            Be sure you always control fleas and ticks, as they can be the source of illness for both your dog and your family.

8.            Keep your dog well groomed — regular brushing will help keep his coat healthy and shiny, and regular baths from an early age will help keep your dog clean and smelling great.

9.            Never let your dog roam on his own, unattended — he can be hit by a car, injured by another dog or wild animal, or contract troublesome diseases when out and about unsupervised.

10.        Exercise your dog — a good run, game of Frisbee or fetch help keep his heart, lungs and muscles in tiptop shape.

11.        Spay or neuter — statistics show your dog will live a longer life with no chance of getting uterine cancer, testicular cancer or other life threatening conditions.

12.        Be sensible about sheltering your dog — those pets that are kept outside all the time tend to bark more, dig or engage in other unwelcome behaviors.

Of course most important to your dog’s health — physical and mental— is the amount of love and attention your canine friend gets from you. Dogs are perceptive enough to sense when they are loved (and when they are not). Like people, dogs can get depressed if left on their own too long. Instead keep your four-footed friend close, spend some part of each day with him or her, do all you can to keep your dog healthy and you’ll be rewarded with a loving, happy and healthy companion for years to come.