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Understanding and mastering your dog's behaviour

Tamsin Castle • Jun 10, 2020
Behavior starts at home. A dog’s behavior determines how it has been taught, just like children dogs’ behavior is controlled by their environment. We all learn within our surroundings. If not caught early enough this can lead to some bad behavior. For instance, aggression, continuous barking, jumping up, behavior can also be caused by a medical problem. Some breeds of dogs learn quicker than others, but they do learn you just need to persevere.

Diet is another reason for certain behaviors. For instance, an overactive dog could become a problematic dog. So first always look at the food you are giving them, on the back of every tin or dry food you will see a table of what is in it and how much. Look at the protein, as too much protein in the dog’s diet is the same as giving a child a lot of sugar. Cut down on the protein and you will find your dog's behavior will become less erratic.

Behavior starts with the dog learning his/her name, no, sitting, down/off, come, stay, good boy/girl. One-word commands to begin with and not long sentences. Dogs can only remember 7 commands at a time so overloading your dog will only confuse them. Once they have mastered the command then that can go into their subconscious mind, then you can teach them something new. Also give the dog praise after they have done something well. Do not give the dog treats while training as your dog is not performing to your actual command they are performing for the teat. Always reinforce good behavior as this determines how your dog behaves when out.

One of the best ways to gain your dog's attention is with the use of a whistle. One blow on the whistle means the dog needs to stop, two blows on the whistle means to go. Dogs will soon learn quickly and always begin this at home first. Exercise your dog helps to stimulate them not just physically but mentally too. Do not always go out at the same time as this lets your dog know that you are the one in charge not them. Male dogs will in particular like to assert themselves as the alpha male in the pack, to them you are part of his pack and they can become aggressive if not sorted out straight away.

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