Tips for Dealing with Dogs, When Dogs Aren't Your Thing

Not everyone is a dog person. Even when they aren't your thing though, sometimes you still have to deal with them. Whether having to dog sit for your parents/siblings/friends or when your kid just had to have a dog, here are a few tips to help you out.

Don't be Cruel
Just because a dog isn't doing what you want when you want it, that is no excuse for cruelty. Punishing a dog, and reinforcing behavior is integral to training and dealing with a dog but it should be fair and

Your Behavior Matters
First you have to remind yourself constantly that how you behave matters. Dogs can read your behavior better than most people can and can tell if you're agitated, upset or scared. So as you read through the rest of the tips keep this in mind. Everything and the way you behave matters.

Maintain Control
Just remembering that your behavior matters isn't enough. Once you ensure that you are aware of your behavior you have to make sure that you maintain control of yourself. Control your reactions and emotions and focus them along with your commands and reactions to the behavior of the dogs.

Don't Be Flustered
Now that you have some basic control during a situation, don't let an excitable dog fluster you. No matter the dog's behavior don't let yourself get out of sorts. Especially when you aren't an animal person its easy to get scared or upset at how a dog behaves if they aren't following your commands or leaving you alone.

Strong Simple Body Language
When issuing a command or trying to control a dog, make sure that your body language associated with your commands is strong and simple. Don't make complicated gestures and don't mix signals between negative and positive commands. In essence be simple and concise.

Consistency
Above all remain consistent, once you find something that is working well don't change it unless necessary. Remain consistent in your behavior and responses. Dogs are very intelligent, but that doesn't mean they can't be confused i you are being confusing.

Watch their Reactions
We've focused on keeping yourself under control. Now for the hardest part. You need to watch and pay attention to the dog itself. You need to learn how to understand its reactions and how each behavior indicates what the dog is thinking or feeling.