21 steps to a happy and well behaved dog

Justin Jordan shares his top 10 tips for happy and well behaved dogs. Follow these and you’ll be well on your way to a better relationship with your best friend…

1. You must be a leader for your dog, not a boss. Leaders ask and then praise when their dog does as they ask. Bosses shout and demand.
2. Don’t shout at your dog. It only confuses it.
3. Ignore attention seeking behaviour i.e. barking to get inside / outside.
4. Keep your dog off your bed and, if possible, out of the bedroom because leaders sleep together. You will only confuse your dog with such privileges.
5. Keep your doggy off the furniture to establish your leadership.
6. Don’t leave food out for your dog; this puts the dog in control of the most precious resource. Allow 30 minutes to eat, if not finished take away until next meal time. This also promotes you as the leader being in control of the most precious resource.
7. Teething: offer the dog things to chew on – frozen lamb brisket bones, Kong toys etc
8. Give your dog some basic training each and every day for about 10 minutes. Dogs, like children, need education and you must be your doggie’s teacher, eg Name Recognition, Sit, Drop, Come, Shake, Leave, Mat Training.
9. Take your dog for at least a 30 minute walk each day. Dogs, like all of us, need exercise to stimulate their minds and it takes away the boredom of hanging around all day.
10. Set boundaries and be consistent. Love but don’t spoil. Discipline but don’t smack.

For further guidance and tips to suit you and your dog, why not come along to Group Obedience Classes, or find out about personalised dog training in your home.