I wrote this one a while back on the For the Love of Dogs Group…it remains relevant the information contained is very important information for any owner to consider.
1. The tree or post you have your dog tied to in the backyard will not teach your dog anything. It will not make your dog be nice to people visiting the home, nor will it teach them to stop peeing in your home. These abilities are well beyond the post or tree however, they are well within the ability of each and every owner out there who will put in the time and effort.
2. You will never be able to solve problems stemming from improper or lack of socialization by further isolating your dog. Isolating the dog will just compound the problems
3. Most problems exisit because of poor communication or lack of communication between the dog and it's owner. This problem is the owner's problem. Remember, you do not speak "dog" so be patient when you are wondering why your dog is having problems understanding you.
4. One of the best gifts you can give your dog is a stable home that includes early and proper training and socialization
5. Just because your dog loves you, does not mean your dog respects you. Love from a dog is given unconditionally, respect however has to be earned.
6. Do not use water bottles to discourage behavior. You will not always have the water bottle in hand. The least it will do is make your dog like getting water in the face, the worst it will do it tick your dog off
7. Hitting, punching, kicking, a dog never ever results in anything good.
8. Punish the deed not the breed
9. Most "dominance theory" is a load of crap and is misused way too much to explain problem behaviors. Fact is most behavioral problems are due to training deficits.
10. If you create "the monster" then you put the work in to solve the issue. Passing off problems to the local rescue that you created is not really an option. Remember...Your dog would be happier with you...period. You don't ditch your kids because "I just don't have the time for them anymore"...don't ditch your dog.
11. Remember you chose your dog, your dog did not choose you. With this comes responsibility. Always try to live up to that
12. Your dog is going to love you unconditionally...never take that for granted
13. If you feel that something cannot be fixed...ask for help. If the answer is still that it cannot be fixed, seek better help
14. There are always always warning signs that are very plain and concrete for your dog. It is not the dog's fault of we humans are too ignorant to pay attention to them
15. If you have to resort to yelling (hitting/kicking/smacking) your dog to win the battle...you have already lost the battle
16. Strive to be the person your dog knows you are.
17. A truely dominant dog is rarely a problem. A truely dominant dog has no problems and nothing bothers him/her. A bully or spoiled dog is not a dominant dog. HUGE difference between the two
18. Just like in the human world, absolutes are never a given in the dog world
19. Everybody and their dog has an opinion on how to raise a dog or how to handle a dog's behavior. Everybody is an expert. When accepting advice from these experts, always qualify the source and act accordingly on the advice
20. Ttcht (the sound made by Cesar Millan) is not a magic sound. There is no secret power in this sound. When used at appropriate times with the appropriate associations, it can work. However, if not used right, you just sound like a choo choo train.
21. And speaking of Cesar...there is nothing wrong with watching The Dog Whisperer (or any other program) on TV to get hints on how to deal with your dog's behavior. However be aware that Cesar's methods work for him because of who he is. You are not Cesar. Also keep in mind that just because Cesar shows you a 2 minute clip on what he did to deal with a particular dog in a particular situation does not mean if you try to immulate "exactly what Cesar does" because "my dog is exactly the same thing as that dog" that it will work. Again, your dog is your dog and you are not Cesar.
22. Vets are vets...they are not necessarily experts on behavior...by all means consult with a trusted vet and listen to their advice on behavior and nutrition but again qualify that advice.
23. And while I am on vets...find a vet (and a vet office as I firmly believe that just as important as the vet are the vet techs and assistants who actually run the office...shout out to my peeps in this one...you know who you are) that makes you feel comfortable and you can trust...when in doubt, ask for a second opinion.
24. When approaching a strange dog, be aware of how your behavior can be considered rude by that dog and act appropriately. If you bend over, get in a dogs face quickly kissing them, hugging them, talking excitedly to them and you just met them...do not be surprised if you get your face bitten. If you were sitting outside minding your own business and had a stranger run up to you, jump into your lap and french kiss you...would you like it? That is the equivalent of what you just did to that dog. If this happens do not label that dog as aggressive,That dog tolerated a lot before he bit... label yourself as stupid.
25. Exercise is fantastic for your dog...it is even better for you. Do it a lot and do it often. Your dog and your body will love you for it.
26. we may not always get the dog we wanted but we sure get the dog we need. You learn a lot about yourself through your dog.
27. When you COMMIT to own an animal realise that you a COMITTING to the care and responsibility of that animal for the lifetime of said animal. Before you decide to take a dog on, consider your living situation now and where it will realistically be in the future and give serious consideration as to if you are able to make that commitment. Getting a dog and then deciding to rehome it because "it is not fair for the dog, I just don't have the time for it" is no excuse. MAKE THE TIME. Rehoming the dog because "I have a baby coming and he is not good with kids"...also no excuse....put the work and time in, consult with the right trainer and your dog will be good with kids in no time. Yes some people do have valid reasons for having to rehome but for the most it is just bad planning and poor excuses...Remember, you choose the dog, your poor dog did not choose you...act responsibly and live up to those choices.
28. On that note, getting a dog because "the kids really want one and it will teach them responsibilty" is a very nice sentiment but realise that ultimately you are going to be the one who cleans up the poop, walks the dog, feeds the dog, pays the vet bills, puts the time into training. Your kids cannot keep their rooms clean without you staying on top of them...how do you realistically expect them to raise a dog. If you are unprepared to raise the dog yourself, get the kids a goldfish.
29. Your dog would NEVER give up on you...recognise this for the selfless and beautiful gift that it is and then return the favor
30. There is a real pet population problem. There are thousands of dogs that get put down daily due to lack of resources and homes. Spay and neuter your dogs please. Just because you think Fido has a great temperment and you would like to breed him "just once" for whatever the reason, is no exuse. Unless you are a qualified and reputable breeder who is willing to back their dog with championship titles, health checks and guarantees, future follow up...DO NOT BREED YOUR DOG.
31. While I am on the topic of the pet explosion...if you want to have a designer breed...a choco-pomo-cavi-sheepie-poo....realise it for what it is...a mutt. These are not "breeds" of dogs. I am sure they are lovely dogs and some of the best most loyal and caring dogs I know are mixed breed mutts. You can put whatever name on it you want but realise it is still a mutt and again there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH A MUTT...I LOVE THEM DEARLY. As such, realise that there is no need to go spend thousands of dollars on a backyard breeder (because sorry, that is what you are getting with these dogs) when you can go to a local shelter and get the same thing for a $50 adoption fee. With the shelter dog, you can even pick the name of the breed...so you can have a cocker-berna-bug and proudly brag about how you discovered this rare and exotic breed.
32. When walking your dog please be curtious to others around you by putting a leash on your dog and using it. THere are people out there who are afraid of dogs. They do not want to see fido off leash regardless how friendly he is. Remember, if something happens and Fido is off leash, you are responsible whether Fido causes the problem or not.
33. Flexi Leads/extendable leashes and their like are good for one thing and one thing only...that is teaching a recall. They should not be used all of the time, should definitely not be used on busy trails and parks in extended fashion and should not be used in order to allow little fifi to "say hi" (for more on this see point 24)
More to follow...
Ken