Five Reasons You Should Treat Your Dog Like…A Dog

For many people, "man's best friend" can be like a real best friend - always keeping you company, giving you affection, and being around all the time. But there can be a negative consequence to this type of friendship in that some owners start to treat their dog like a person rather than a dog with a lower status within your small family unit. Dogs are not people, and when you treat them like people, you start to invite unhealthy, territorial behavior that you don't want. With that in mind, here are five reasons you should treat your dog like what it is - a dog!

Reason #1: Dogs shouldn't think they're in charge. If a dog thinks that it's on equal footing with your, or even in charge of your household, it will defend its territory by barking at your guests and other dogs. This can be a very annoying and disruptive behavior, so you have to nip it in the bud by making it clear that the dog is in your home. You can accomplish this by withholding constant affection from the dog, choosing instead to award it when the dog has earned it by staying relaxed and behaving like a calm dog.

Reason #2: Dogs need effective guidance. Humans can have strange beliefs, but ultimately you can be more effective as a guide for your dog's behavior than your dog can. If you're in charge of your household, you can train your dog to be more polite to guests.

Reason #3: Your dog will be kinder to guests if it knows you're in charge of defending your territory. Why do dogs bark at strangers? Often, it's because they feel they are the defenders of your home. Sometimes, this can be true, especially if you own a pair of guard dogs, but even these guard dogs will be able to distinguish between welcome and unwelcome guests if you set standards for behavior. You dish out the orders and you give the food - that means you have the power. Demand good behavior before you dish out rewards.

Reason #4: Your dog will enjoy being a dog more. Have you ever wished that you had a dog that was calm and noble, like pointers and hunting dogs seem to be? Dogs enjoy being part of your little pack, and they love being your companion - the complications arise when you give them too much power.

Reason #5: Your dog will get along better with other dogs. A dog that feels threatened will lash out. But a dog that feels calm and comfortable with its place will get along with other dogs, which in turn helps calm other dogs.

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Canines, Tips for Dog Owners

Posted by Dog Training Pet on February 14, 2010 in Canines, Tips for Dog Owners. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.