GIVE YOUR DOG the right outlets.
- Provide hard things to chew on, fun stuff to play with, adequate exercise and a vocabulary.
- Make certain his toys agree with his system (does not cause vomiting, gas or diarrhea) and are not dangerous (ask your veterinarian) or confusing (personal items like shoes, towels, socks and rag-like toys can encourage indiscriminate chewing).
- Establish a vigorous exercise program for high energy and large dogs.
- Train your dog in basic obedience. You will be able to speak the same language, develop a stronger bond and substitute bad behavior with desirable action.
PRACTICE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
- Close cabinets.
- Keep clean and dirty clothing secured.
- Immediately remove tasty garbage from house (i.e. meat, bones, wrappers, feminine hygiene products, tissues, etc.).
- Cover garbage baskets or put them behind closed doors.
PRACTICE “SET-UPS” so your dog never tries to jump, steal or shred, no matter how tempting the situation. Occasionally open cabinets, leave laundry and a purse on the floor, leave the dishwasher open, place liver sausage on a counter and chips on the coffee table. Then, prepare to correct thievery.
ACKNOWLEDGE DEEDS WELL DONE: Reward him each time you ask him to go in, out, up, down, on or off. Otherwise, you may find your dog is entertained by leading you in a chase around the house when you invite him into the house, car or washtub. Although you probably called him for a reason, treat his response to the “come” as a separate event and praise him accordingly. Also, frequently practice telling him to go in and out of the car, crate or house when you are not going to ride, confine or leave.
TREAT ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES AS NON-EVENTS: The easiest way to encourage good behavior around guests is to ignore your dog as you come and go. If play and attention occur the instant someone makes an entrance, your dog will return all that love and affection in the form of jumping up and barking.
FEED NOTHING BUT DOG FOOD, only in his dish (or a kong or puzzle toy) and place it in a quiet spot
- Dogs who are never given food from the table, counter, or hand or fed table scraps have little incentive to search for food outside of their bowl.
- Let him eat in peace at a prescribed time and food will never be reason to get defensive.
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS when routines are upset. If your dog is under-exercised, your work schedule changes or you are going on vacation, fighting with household members, or expecting guests, your dog’s behavior is likely to change. Expect the worst and treat him like an untrained dog by taking every precaution to ensure you aren’t giving him opportunities to be naughty until things get back to normal.
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