Dos And Don’ts When Owning A Dog

By Mary Jane Anderson

DO establish leadership since, from a dog’s point of view, a dog is genetically programmed to except a leader. A puppy or adult dog quickly looks for the leader of the “pack” in the home. If he does not find a leader he will learn that he must become a leader, which causes problems. Leadership is firmness, patience, and constancy.

DO control all situations with the dog at home and in the neighborhood. The animal this is secure knowing his position in life. Teach good manners at an early age — housebreaking, socializing, and respect for the family members as well as people of all ages, young and old.

DO teach children to respect their puppy. Puppies think that they can play with children as they do with other puppies and dogs. Playing “games” develops a strong bond, but they must be constructive rather than destructive. Wrestling, rough-house, or tug-of-war are “games” to test for dominance and encourages aggression.

DO walk your dog daily. Pent-up energy is relieved by a walk. If a dog does not have any physical activities on a regular basis, he can become frustrated and bored. This can lead to behavioral problems. Daily walks keep the dog in physical shape, not overweight and lazy.

DO respect your dog as an animal, not as another human being. Dog owners might think that a dog has human qualities, such as a sense of duly, gratitude, or conscience. However, the only traits a dog possesses are animal instincts, activities he would do if left to his own devises. Dogs are animals and must be taught how to behave with people rather than left to their natural instincts.

DON’T allow your dog to become the leader by guarding food, toys, or your space and possessions. A dog must learn not to growl, nip, or bite when his food is taken away. He must be accustomed to be handled as you handle his teeth, clean his ears, brush and clip nails.

DON’T allow your dog to lead you on a walk, pulling and lunging. During the walk, you are in charge. The dog walks next to you and you must set the pace, whether it is slow, or fast. You guide your dog to where you lead him; your dog does not lead you, and don’t allow your dog to relieve himself on a neighbor’s lawn.

DON’T allow your dog to begin his chase after his “prey.” He turns you off and his chase instinct takes over. There are many advantages to control a dog with a leash. A squirrel may run across the street or a cat may run up a tree and your dog, seeing the animal, will quickly try to chase. Since you have the leash, you can give the command “sit” and quietly wait before you continue your walk.

DON’T play any game that is a challenge to your leadership, such as tug-of-war. Your dog will disrespect you as and this encourages aggression. Testing dominance threatens the owner’s Alpha position in the family.

DON’T be aggressive toward your aggressive dog because that leads to more aggression. Dogs are not naturally aggressive, but they can be naturally dominant, high energy dogs which can develop into a battle of wills between an owner and his dog. Aggression must be redirected with the owner’s control. The issue is setting clear rules of boundaries and limitations in the home and community. Disciple which means a calm assertive leadership and affection only at appropriate times.