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Six tips on how to create a healthy and happy dog
by Lorna Mackay – Pawsitive Solutions
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Tip 1 – How you need to become the pack leader
- If the top job is vacant then your dog will most probably fill it!
- Unless you become the pack leader your dog will fill that role. It’s in their DNA.
- Have the CONFIDENCE to be in control of your dog.
- Be ASSERTIVE and don’t accept bad behaviour.
- TREAT your dog as a dog.
- PRAISE your dog for good behaviour.
- You take the LEAD in walking your dog. Don’t allow yourself to be walked.
- Let your dog walk up the stairs and through doors/gates BEHIND you.
- Your dog expects BOUNDARIES. Remember to apply them EVERY day.
- Show dog style LEADERSHIP on a consistent basis, your pet will feel not only loved but happy and secure.
Tip 2 – How to create a positive mindset
- Be POSITIVE in all your actions with your dog
- Dogs MIRROR your behaviour. They are actually a reflection of you the owner!
- Remember to be CALM when training your dog. Be in control at all times.
- Keep positive thoughts when working with your dog.
- If you think you can or you think you can’t …..either way you will be right!
- Be aware of your own ENERGY while around your dog
- Are you giving off positive or negative signals to your dog
- What LANGUAGE does your body communicate to your dog?
- Remember you are TRAINING your dog to be happy, healthy and have fun.
- Dogs go from state to state. Make sure you are creating a healthy state of MIND
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Tip 3 – How dogs learn
- Dogs LEARN their good and bad behaviour from humans. They spend their day eating ,sleeping ,playing and most importantly observing their owners.
- They love to learn. 20 minutes a day working mentally with your dog will tire them far more than an hour of running in the park.
- Dogs learn through REPETITION and ASSOCIATION.
- Puppies learn how to SIT from an early age because they hear the word REPEATEDLY in their early days.
- When you pick up the lead and go to the door the dog ASSOCIATES this action with a walk.
- Dogs will manipulate you if you let them . They are wonderful PEOPLE trainers.
- Be aware how dogs LEARN -Lead by good example and TEACH your dog just as you would teach your child.
Tip 4 – How dogs are wonderful people trainers…the following must apply:
- DO NOT let your dog out to toilet when it demands, wait 5 minutes THEN open the door
- Show leadership and IGNORE constant attention seeking behaviour. It can be hard but dogs understand ignoring and often practice it on US.
- One of the quickest ways to calm down an over boisterous dog is to continually ignore THEIR demands for attention and pet ONLY when the dog has calmed down and even turned away.
- Teach your dog to lie at your FEET, not across your lap
- Stop all staring/drooling when you eat. DESIGNATE an area for your dog to lie away from you or the table.
- Remember you ANSWER the front door, not the dog
- Be firm, start and finish play when YOU want. Choose a hand signal which indicates play has finished .
- REMOVE all toys if your dog tries to protect them and not let you pick them up.
- Teach your dog to go to his bed on COMMAND and stay for a few minutes without moving.
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Tip 5 – How to have a happy and healthy dog
- Daily EXERCISE of your dog’s mind as well as their bodies is essential.
- Remember to SOCIALISE your dog with others. Initially keep your dog on a loose lead and allow him to greet other dogs in a calm manner.
- Let your dog GREET other dogs and don’t pull on the lead too soon. This can create problems and give off the wrong signals.
- GROOM your dog daily and love your dog. The rewards will be so fulfilling.
- Don’t bath your dog too often as it can strip the oils from its coat.
- FEED your dog good, healthy food. What you feed your dog has an impact on their behaviour so take time and research the food you buy. Don’t always believe the marketing messages . It is well known certain additives in food affect some children and the same goes for dogs.
- It is more natural for dogs to FORAGE for their food. Consider scattering a selection of chopped up vegetables and fruit in the garden. Even scatter a handful of their dried food.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of sound SLEEP. Happy contented dogs sleep a great deal of the day.Far more than we humans.
Tip 6 – How to be a great role model to your dog
- Use CALM assertive behaviour when teaching your dog
- When training your dog insist on getting EYE contact
- Vary your walks, parks and beaches you visit to provide new STIMULATION for your dog
- CREATE a small dark place for your dog to feel safe during fireworks or storms
- Don’t rush any training, show PATIENCE. Dogs learn at different rates
- Regular EXERCISE and grooming produces healthy dogs
- Create a QUIET secure area where your dog can sleep undisturbed
- LOVE your dog, but also insist on setting rules and boundaries
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