Training the Family Dog: Dog Behavior Problems: Top 10 Reasons Families Cause Them

This article will address the top ten reasons families cause dog behavior problems and the top ten ways to solve behavioral problems in their dogs. All of this is under the assumption everyone in the family is working together and using the same methods. In fact, it is critical, if the dog's behavior is to change, that all family members are on board and committed to the process.

The top ten things families do to cause behavior problems are:

1. Allow dog full access to their home and yard. Families who allow full access to household from day one are families who are not supervising the puppy or dog and are just as responsible for the dog's bad habits as the dog.
2. Thinking and/or hoping the dog will train itself. They might, but many bad habits will develop.
   
3. Thinking a basic obedience course is all the training the dog will need in its lifetime. Training is in the very least a three year process and if you want a really reliable companion, you should commit to a lifetime of training.
   
4. Viewing a dog as a "thing" rather than a "feeling being". The dog becomes a project, or was gotten for the kids or because you never had a dog when you were young or because a friend has a dog. When in reality, a dog is a commitment and communicates, feels pain, eats, goes to the bathroom, has sickness and gets into trouble.
   
5. The dog is bored. If bored your dog will choose its own job - barking too much because no one is paying attention; or getting into things they shouldn't be such as your 200 dollar shoes or the garbage or even the refrigerator. An unsupervised, bored dog is a recipe for disaster. Dogs are social animals and need guidance and routines.
   
6. Not keeping their dog safe. This means allowing dog to run without boundaries, giving freedom too soon, thinking a dog should like all people and all dogs; or not shielding them from things, people or other dogs that could cause harm.
   
7. Lack of prevention and management in raising canine. Prevention and management are the best cures for behavioral problems. They don't solve the behavior or modify it, but they "manage" problematic behaviors like getting into the garbage, digging under the fence, chewing up the kid's socks. Hide the garbage, put in proper fencing, pick up the kid's socks all meaning dog proof your home.
   
8. Several different styles of dealing with the dog within the household. Dogs are smart enough to know who the soft touch is, the disciplinarian, the play thing etc.
   
9. Punishment, meaning a huge focus on punishing the dog for doing something wrong, rather than teaching the dog through rewarding the dog when they are doing something RIGHT.
   
10. Easy way out solutions. Quick fixes equal long term problems.

Ten ways Families-In-Training can Stop Behavioral Problems

1. Assess the dog's environment. Give them a place they can call their own (a safe place away from children, adults for at least one hour per day), Give them quality time with you and the entire family. Give them enough exercise (tongue hanging out daily exercise). Give them the best food you can afford meeting their nutritional needs. Give them a dog safe environment (garbage put away, nothing the dog can eat such as small toys or parts, nothing out that the dog can get hurt on).
   
2. Make sure your dog has proper bathroom facilities outdoors. This means no laziness on your part. Proper housebreaking takes time and several outings a day until the dog understands where his potty area is and it takes commitment on your part to not leave the dog unsupervised in the house during this critical training period.
   
3. Allow the dog to "earn" access to rooms. Room number one is the starting room blocked off by an x-pen, or a baby gate. The dog learns where to properly potty, learns what their chew toys are and to respect them, and they learn to respect the household rules and boundaries. Dogs who are earning access (freedom) are never left unsupervised to invent their own rules. They easily acclimate to family life because they know the rules and routines.
   
4. Socialize your dog to at least 100 different types of people in varying environments in their first four weeks with you. That equates to at least three people a day and is a technique used by Dr. Ian Dunbar in his books "Before and After You Get Your Puppy". Reading these books is highly recommended, not only for when you bring home a puppy, but when you bring home a rescue dog or an adult dog. Moderate acclimation to the household and proper socialization and familiarization is very important.
   
5. Socialize your dog to other dogs, off and on leash. You'll need to get your dog out in the world, but if they come to you with problems, you must consult a behavioral consultant so you can introduce and socialize or re-socialize your dog properly and without incident.
   
6. Being consistent, persistent, patient and committed to showing your dog the household rules and routines. Dogs need structure. This will make for a happier, healthier dog.
   
7. Teaching how to walk on lead properly This will lead to a dog that is a joy to walk on or off lead. Once you gain voice control, you can enjoy off lead jaunts.
   
8. Get rid of all aversive training and discover the world of positive reward-based methods. By rewarding your dog for what they are doing right, you will eliminate the need to punish them for what they are doing wrong.
   
9. Understanding what your dog is communicating to you through proper understanding of canine body language, calming signals, distance increasing and decreasing signals and stress signals.
10. Training your dog for the life of your dog.

A dog is a valuable member of the family, whether they are a working dog or a companion dog. They should be treated with the respect they deserve from each and every family member. If they are, there will be many years of enjoyment and memories. If not, you will simply erode trust, and cause unnecessary behavioral problems. Your dog will have a less than exemplary quality of life. Get your family-in-training today if you are thinking about getting a dog OR if you already have a dog with behavioral issues. It is never too late to lay out the boundaries and make sure everyone is on the same page. A good trainer will make the process fun for the kids as well as the adults, and make training for the dog an easy integration and lifestyle.