It’s A Dog’s Life—

Tips On Training

By Mary Jane Anderson

Q: I would like to take Tootsie with me on vacation, but whenever I have taken her in the car, she has gotten sick. Is there anything I could do so that she can ride in the car and not get sick?

A: Yes; if you have a little time, the first thing is to start taking Tootsie on short rides, even just a ride around the block, whenever possible. It is best to do this before you feed her. She can then become more accustomed to the car motion. Teach her traveling manners such as sitting quietly in the car, not jumping around. Usually, if she takes short rides for a time and does well, then extend your trips longer. That does the trick for most dogs, if you have patience. There are other alternatives, however, if that does not work. Ask your veterinarian for medication that helps prevent motion sickness when traveling. The medicine could even help your dog sleep while you are on the road.

Q: What is the proper way for me to correct my dog?

A: Humanely. This means corrections should consist of a firm voice command but not shouting. The proper equipment — leash and collar — is used for correction, but the leash is not used for hitting the dog or inhumanely using a collar to inflict punishment and possible injury. Hitting is unnecessary and often it is not effective. This also applies to hitting your dog with your hand or a rolled-up newspaper. Hitting is a sign of frustration and lack of patience on the owner’s part; those signs are noted by your dog and many unpleasant experiences could follow, such as your dog running away, biting from fear or aggression, or cowering on your approach. Your job is not punishment, but teaching. Therefore, know your dog’s personality before you correct him. Correction should always be mild. If your dog will respond to a mild and gentle correction, that is all that is required. If he becomes stubborn, then a firmer correction will be needed. But strong and hard corrections could ruin your dog’s personality.

Q: My wife would like a cat. Are there any special problems with a dog and cat living in the same house?

A. The most irritating problem is the cat’s litter box. Dogs love to get into the litter box. Make sure the box is out of reach from your dog, otherwise, what a mess! Second, dogs enjoy eating cat food. Again, keep the cat’s bowl out of the reach from the dog. Last, but not the least, there might be running races around the rooms until the animals get used to each other. Your dog will, however, learn to control himself through your help. I would suggest a special place for your cat to get away from it all with a bed, litter box, and feeding bowl. If you have a small room such as a laundry room, mud room, or bathroom, you could put a hook and eye on the door with a large enough opening for the cat to comfortably go in and out but small enough that the dog cannot get through. This can save you much time and energy. Soon the animals will become best of friends, keeping each other company while you are away.

Training Tips

Always vary training as much as possible. Mix up your exercises to make it interesting. The same thing over and over can become very dull and tiresome for you and your dog.

Be careful as to how you use your hands and feet. Never use your feet for correction or your hands for hitting or pinching your dog.

Avoid “eye contact” when facing your dog on “stays” or “downs.” Otherwise, your dog might mistake you looking at him and will get up and come to you.

Learn to train with a smile on your face and a pleasant voice. Dogs are extremely sensitive to your voice inflections and tone and respond accordingly.