Tips and care for your dog

These are some dog handling skills I’ve learnt along the way.

Sadly there is a lack of knowledge in dog handling despite the immense resources available for owners. Dogs are great companions and while many are familiar with play time, they forget about a dog’s need for leadership. In my experience volunteering, sadly, this results in strains in relationships and behavioural problems which result in abandonment and mistreatment. Please seek assistance quickly if problems arise.

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How to treat your dog

(Kid v Teen)

Let me start off by saying there is no right or wrong way as each dog is different so feel free use my advice as reference material and tailor it to your dogs need. In my experience, I’ve seen fantastic results from both schools of thought.

There are two ways people treat their dogs. They are:

1. Kid
You can treat you dog like your child. These dogs are usually eager to please, lively and full of energy. Treating them like a child would involve interacting with them as equals and playing with them without any rules.

The play time and treats given would result in proportional increases in bonding. Often this would result in a bond that is far stronger than you can imagine.

One drawback is that the dogs may turn too friendly and begin play biting which will not be good for both owner and dog and can result in abandonment in many cases, as I’ve learnt from my time at shelters like SPCA.

2. Teen
Others treat their dogs like teenagers. Such dogs are usually less energetic, territorial and more aggressive.  Thus they require discipline, strong leadership and patience like teenagers do.

Treating them with discipline and strong leadership would produce well adapted dogs to their new environments and would allow them to quickly assimilate into their owners pace of life.

Surprisingly, if done correctly, this treatment sometimes can produce an extremely strong bond between handler and dog as the dog’s respect for the “Alpha” (as Dog training genius Cesar Milan would put it) would translate into a strong sense of loyalty and eagerness to please.

My advice:
Treat dogs as teens first until significant bond is formed before progressing to treat them like children. Ignoring a dog’s need for leadership can put significant strain on the relationship between owner and pet on the future when behavioural problems arise.

Thereafter feel free to treat and pamper your dog with as much love and care but be sure to keep in mind your status as its owner and not allow your dog to be spoiled and over step it’s boundaries.

How to train your dog

(Reward/Ignore v Punish/Reward)

There are two methods of training dogs. They are:

1. Reward/Ignore.

Rewards are the key words and can quickly establish a bond and a system of instant gratification for obedience.

Ignore the dog when it misbehaves.

Commonly used by zookeepers, especially in the training of dolphins, elephants and primates.

This is more for teaching and for correction of behavioural problems which are minor.

2. Punish/Reward

This is more for discouraging behaviour rather than learning. Punishment is the key word and any sign of defiance will be swiftly met with both a physical punishment and a sharp disciplinary command instantly. This will be repeated till intended effect takes place.

Thereafter the physical punishment is weaned off and the command is used only. Focus on using a deep and stern tone for reprimands.

In dog training circles, this comes highly recommended by many experienced and famous dog trainers and works very effectively in my experience, although caution must be applied when dealing with aggressive dogs.

My advice:
Tailor training based on dogs temperament.

Assuming hierarchy has been established, and dog is observed to be eager to please already, start on Reward/Ignore routines.

If dog is aggressive in nature, focus on building a strong bond before beginning any training at all. There after, beginning Punish/Reward treatment will be recommended.

Remember, as the saying goes, “Exercise, Discipline, Affection”. While their importance is in order of wording, none are mutually exclusive and they go hand in hand

Remember to watch your dog for any signs of distress or fatigue and resume training only when your dog is well.

Also training is a slow process and patience and consistency are key factors in ensuring success.

Remember that the dogs intelligence is only about that of a 3 year old toddler so please be patient with them. Not all dogs learn quickly, if at all, so treat them with respect and learn to love your dog for their loyalty and companionship and you will be rewarded with lots and lots of love for many years to come.