IN order to have a well behaved dog it is a good idea to be prepared. You might like to take some time to think through the various scenarios you might encounter with your dog, e.g. visiting friends, walking in town, family dinner time, a romp on the beach, play dates with doggy friends, meeting new people or dogs, greeting someone at the door, time at the dog park, etc.
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Next formulate some ideas about what you would like your dog to do in these situations and then teach her/him the chosen behaviours. Some basic behaviour you might consider teaching your dog include: sit, stay, down, heel, come, leave it, wait, give, fetch, bed, toilet, quiet, watch and let’s go.
The trick is to start teaching your dog in places where he will be the least distracted, e.g. in the backyard, at the dog park without other dogs around, at the beach on a quiet day on a long leash, at the front door without anyone standing there, etc.
And very importantly remember to use positive reinforcement (see previous article) to let your dog know when s/he is getting it right. Also if you have more than one dog train each dog individually.
When your dog starts to fairly reliably and correctly do the behaviours it’s time to gradually increase the level and types of distractions under which s/he needs to perform. If you find your dog’s compliance deteriorates just decrease the level and/or types of distractions for a while and keep patiently training before trying again under distraction.
Eventually all the behaviours you teach will become second nature to your dog and he will do what you ask when you ask it.
For the initial investment of time, commitment and energy you will reap the rewards of a well-mannered long and happy life together.
The AWL Narooma Dog Training Club (NDTC) is a great place for you to learn how to teach your dog.
We are welcoming new members this coming Saturday, November 1, at 1.30pm at NATA Oval. For more information, call Yve on 0478 226 701.
Four lovely little ladies
Roxy and Charlie are mother and daughter. Roxy is an 11yo mini foxie and Charlie is an 8yo mini foxie x Jack Russell.
They don’t bark, have really nice natures, get on with other dogs and walk well on a lead.
Roxy and Charlie would love to stay together but of course are willing to go their separate ways if it means they will find a home to call their own.
Sparky is a playful and lively 2yo Jack Russell cross foxie who will be your best friend forever if there is plenty of smooching. As she likes to be in charge of dogs careful introductions would need to be made if you already have another dog.
Bella is a 2yo Jack Russell who loves people and gets on well with children and dogs. She is smart and loyal.
Bella loves a good tug of war and playing with a tennis ball. She might prove to be excellent at dog sports like Agility too. Bella will need really good fencing as she has been known to jump the fence when left alone.
Our other animals needing a new home include: CATS: 1 x male black and white cat, 3 x female cats including a Blue Russian cross, a tortoiseshell, and a spotted tabby; DOGS: 1 x male mix breed 5 month old puppy, and 1 x female 3yo Malamute cross dog.
If you are interested in adopting a pet, please give us a call on 0410 016 612 or email awl.eurobodalla.nsw@gmail.com for more details.
The AWL promotes responsible pet ownership and all pets sold are micro-chipped, vaccinated, wormed and de-sexed and if necessary retrained. Costs are: dogs from $295; puppies from $350; cats from $120; and kittens from $170.