Breaking Your Dog's Bad Habits Read Online Free PDF Page A

right now.
    Step 2. After a few sessions, the other person should take over the retraining sessions. The owner should be on hand for support. Again, the sessions should be brief and nonconfrontational and should coverjust the basic commands. The dog should be rewarded with praise and food treats. (Food will serve as a strong motivator to get the dog to accept this person’s commands.)
    Step 3. Once the dog is comfortable interacting with this person, the owner should not attend the practice training sessions. Gradually, over a few weeks, the dog will learn to accept the other person’s authority in this and other situations. Remember that the retraining sessions should be fun and relaxing for both humans and the dog. Interactions with the dog outside of retraining sessions should remain confident and friendly but nonconfrontational. For example, if the dog is doing something he should not or ignores a command, don’t try to force him. Instead, distract him with another activity or a toy.
    Pulls on Leash When Walking
    We’ve all seen or experienced this scenario: The leash is stretched as far as it will go, and the dog is straining against it as if he is pulling a heavy sled in the Iditarod. The owner is leaning backward in an effort to slow the dog or, worse yet, is being dragged along like a loose anchor. Such scenes make us wonder just who’s walking whom!
    Amusing though the scene may be, pulling on the leash is a serious behavior problem for several reasons. A dog that pulls his owner along is either very anxious or is vying for the alpha-dog position. Either way, if the dog is in control of the walk, the owner is not in control of the dog. Many potential problems loom in such situations. The dog may suddenly lunge at a passing bicycle, runner, or child, or the dog may go after another dog or a cat. Serious injury could result to any or all involved. In addition, the constant tugging of a determined dog on a leash can cause stress injuries to the owner’s arm muscles and joints. There is even some possibility that the pulling could harm the dog’s neck or throat.
    Taking control of walks is not always easy for the owner. Neither brute force nor begging is effective. To correct this bad habit, try a change in both “hardware” and technique. Use a collar or harness that minimizes a dog’s ability to pull—without choking him—and retrain your dog to walk with you. Here’s how.
    Step 1. Several types of collars and harnesses can minimize or eliminate pulling, and they are more effective than jerking on thedog’s leash and more humane than choke or shock collars. Do some research. Discuss the pros and cons of various types of collars and harnesses with people who have had some experience with them—your vet, a dog behaviorist, other dog owners. Get their opinions on what works and why. Every dog is different, so what works well for one won’t necessarily work for another.
    After you’ve done your research, select the type of equipment that you feel is most suitable for your dog (see pages 24–25 for suggestions). Consider your dog’s size and physique, personality and temperament, and dominance factor. Take your own feelings into consideration, too. If you feel that a particular collar or harness is uncomfortable or undignified for your dog, you’ll communicate that distress right down the leash.
    Step 2. When you first bring home the new collar or harness, don’t try it out right away. Put it down on the floor and let your dog check it out. As he does so, talk to him. Explain that this is something special for him, something to make walks easier for both of you. Use a cheerful tone. Don’t scold the dog or give the impression that the new item is a punishment. It isn’t. It’s a tool that will help you and your dog feel calm and confident so you can enjoy your walks.
    Step 3. After he’s had a minute to sniff the new item, offer your dog a treat. Set it down on the floor next to the harness or collar