Control Pet Behavior Problems with These Easy Training Tips

Your pet's behavior depends largely on the treatment and training it receives from you. Kindness, affection, praise, and patience on your part will be rewarded by a well-behaved pet. And the time to begin is when your pet is very young. Here are some guidelines for controlling your pet's behavior:

Look for the root cause of a pet's misbehavior

Loneliness, insecurity, strange people in the house, or a sudden change in routine, all can cause your pet to behave abnormally. You should try to correct such problems whenever possible.

Always praise good behavior

Whenever your pet responds positively to your commands - coming when called, sitting, etc - even if it does so reluctantly, give it lots of praise. A pet isn't likely to understand if you reprimand it for being slow in its response. A pet that is well-treated - dog or cat - will trust you and be eager to please.

If your dog misbehaves, say "No" in a loud, firm voice. As soon as it obeys, give it praise and affection. If it slips its leash and runs off, reward it with praise and a "treat" when it returns at your command.

Instead of threats or punishment - which are seldom effective in correcting a misbehaving cat - try gentle persuasion. If you react angrily to a cat's misdeeds, you'll only agitate the animal. Remain calm, and say "No" firmly. If your cat responds positively, lavish it with praise and stroke it affectionately.

Use effective housebreaking techniques

If you get a cat, allow it to explore your home freely, but keep it indoors for several days. Provide a litter box (preferably in a bathroom), partially filled with an even layer of commercial cat litter. As soon as you bring your new pet home, show it the litter box. Most cats learn quickly, and soon adjust to their new homes.

Soiled litter should be removed daily. You should scrub the litter box with a disinfectant twice a week. And keep a litter box even if your cat goes outside. Your cat may want to use it when it's cold, or raining outside. Your pet may even prefer a litter box to the outdoors.

If you get a puppy, place newspapers around the area near its bed. Put your puppy on the same section of paper after each feeding. Remember to be patient, and to praise your pet for a "job" well done.

Once your puppy is paper trained, take it outside every morning as soon as it wakes. Also take it outside after each feeding and just before bedtime. Try to take your pet out by the same door each time. You should say something like, "Want to go?". It may take your puppy a couple of weeks to get the idea, but when it does, it will begin going to the door and barking when it wants to go outside.

If your new dog is older, there's a good chance that it's already housebroken. Simply give it a little time to adjust its living habits to its new home.