This is a guest post from Jessica Brody. She is an animal advocate and loves to promote pet adoption and share happy stories on her website. I loved her post! She provides useful information for people who want to adopt a pet. Keep reading…
No matter how you slice it, owning a dog is work, but if you’re up for the challenge, a furry friend can enhance your life in ways you didn’t even think were possible. While you may have the greatest admiration for your pet, your neighbors may not. If you’re going to be a dog owner, you have to be a conscientious one. Make sure you’re doing your due diligence by instituting behavioral techniques and proper pooch etiquette at home and on the go.
1. Obedience 101
Whether you take on the task yourself or enroll your dog into an obedience school, it’s crucial that your pooch learns basic manners so he can properly interact with other dogs and people. Basic commands include “sit,” “come,” “stay,” “down,” and “leave it.” Additional training also includes:
● Crate training: This helps with house/potty training in younger dogs so you can establish rules from day one.
● Leash training: Due to leash laws, every dog needs to learn how to be leashed, so start with basic walking skills. For example, a loose leash gives your dog the freedom to walk and explore without pulling or tugging, which is great for you, too. It’s also important to teach your dog how to interact with other passing dogs and humans without jumping or getting too excited.
● Agility training: This method of obedience is great for both you and your dog. Since you’ll be helping your furry friend through the agility courses, you’ll be building trust while strengthening verbal and communication skills. The two of you will stay in shape, too! Added benefits for your dog include fulfilling natural instincts and learning problem-solving skills.
2. Expel Extra Energy at a Dog Park
In order to keep your dog out of mischief at home (biting furniture, digging up your garden, etc.), let him expel extra energy at the dog park. Just make sure you play by the rules at the park:
● Keep up with your dog’s vaccinations.
● Get your pooch microchipped but at the very least, make sure he has updated ID tags.
● Clean up any waste immediately.
● Monitor your dog’s behavior so he doesn’t get too feisty with other dogs, or vice versa.
3. Be Mindful of Your Yard
While maintaining your yard is good for your home’s curb appeal, it will also keep your neighbors happy. Of course, yard awareness includes how your pooch reacts in the space.
● Install a fence: Wooden fences are best because they can be built high enough to prevent your dog from escaping, allow for more privacy, and are generally more attractive than a chain-link fence.
● Clean up waste: This should be a part of your weekly—if not daily—routine in an effort to avoid odor and the spread of dangerous parasites and bacteria.
● Keep your dog from barking: While this can be easier said than done, a perpetually noisy pooch can prompt a surly neighbor to call the police or even animal control. Tiring your dog out and knowing when to take him indoors can help, but training techniques are better for the long term. For instance, don’t yell, be consistent with your techniques, remove/block the motivation that’s causing your pooch to bark, desensitize your dog to the stimulus, and execute the “quiet” command. If all else fails, seek the assistance of a trainer.
It’s important to note that depending on age and breed, not all dogs need the same level of obedience training or guidance. Even so, there is likely to be a habit or two that can be improved. A well-behaved dog is one the whole neighborhood will love.
AUTHOR BIO: Jessica Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.
Photo Credit: Pixabay