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Whether you adopted a rescue or shelter dog with "issues," or something didn't quite "click" during puppy training, we'll give you some suggestions that should help.
Examples of Dog Training Problem Solving
They may be relatively simple nuisances, such as:
- Dog housebreaking problems
- Hyperactive behavior
- Excessive barking
- Jumping up on people
- Destructive chewing
- Digging
More serious dog behavior problems include:
- Aggression
- Biting
- Defensive behavior
- Separation anxiety
- Phobias
- Self-mutilation
Here's the key to dog training problem solving: The sooner you realize a certain behavior has become a problem, the sooner you'll be able to actually solve the problem.
Keep in mind that a bad habit can take a long time to change, because your dog has to unlearn the bad behavior and then learn a good behavior to fill the gap.
Dog Training Problem Solving From a Dog's Perspective
Maybe it'll help if you think of it this way--sometimes dogs and people think alike, and sometimes they don't.
That's because every dog is born with instincts that guide him on how to live in canine society in the natural world.
The problem is, he hasn't a clue how to cope in human society.
The trouble starts when we expect our dogs to instinctively understand what we want them to do, or to adopt perfect manners in a snap.
That's bound to lead to some serious misunderstandings.
The key to solving most dog behavior problems is figuring out why your dog does what he does.
After you know the "why," it's much easier to apply positive training methods to correct the problem.
The first step toward figuring out the "why" is making sure your dog is healthy.
When a dog responds slowly or refuses to respond to a command he understands and usually obeys promptly, he may be in physical pain.
I don't know about you, but I don't feel much like working when I'm hurting.
That's why it's important to have your dog thoroughly examined by a veterinarian before tackling any dog training problem solving.
Building a Bond Helps With Dog Training Problem Solving
Before you rush into a training or re-training program, take time to get to know your dog and develop a bond. Why?By focusing on building a relationship with your dog before you try to train him, you'll become best friends.
And once your dog knows you're his best friend, he'll learn more quickly because he loves you and wants to please you.
Best of all, he's not being forced to obey somebody he doesn't even know.
If you've already had your dog for a few weeks, or even a few years, you can still rebuild and strengthen your bond with your dog and have a great relationship.
Dog training problem solving takes understanding and patience, but the rewards are worth it.
Most behavior problems can be solved with good training (patient and positive), re-direction (chew this, not that), environment management (putting the trash can out of your dog's reach) and proper exercise (especially for hyperactive dogs).
You Can't Afford to Avoid Dog Training Problem Solving
The costs of untreated dog training problems for both owners and their dogs are immeasurable.Many owners become afraid to touch their dogs (if they're aggressive) or leave their dogs alone at home (if they're destructive).
Property damage and veterinary and medical bills can run into thousands of dollars.
Sadly, many dogs are banished to the basement or the backyard when their owners run out of patience and ideas about dog training problem solving.
Even worse, roughly four million dogs are abandoned to animal shelters every year, many for misbehavior ranging from hyperactivity to biting.
Of those, over half are euthanized.
If you adopted an older Golden Retriever that didn't have the benefit of good puppy training, we'll help you correct the problems that may have resulted from his earlier training neglect.
And if you made a few mistakes along the way that caused some behavior problems, we'll help you there, too.
Dog training problem solving can be a successful endeavor at any stage of the game. It's never too late!
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