Dog Biting and training can be very frustrating at times. But one thing to realize is that dogs are not like us, they can't comprehend like we can. Dogs look to us for guidance. As much as you may feel it is wrong to think this way the truth is you are their master or leader and you need to be sure you are sending the right message as to what you what from your K9. Here are some tips to prevent your dog from biting and some common suggestions about dog training in general.
1. First you should stop giving your dog food in their dish. When you are home they are on the leash. Take them with you where ever you go in the house. Have their food in a plastic bag in your pocket. When you get up to get a drink take them with you, when you get to the fridge. make them sit and give them a piece of their kibble. When you walk back to the living room you make them lay down on the floor at your feat. When they do it you give them a piece of kibble. Every time a commercial comes on make them switch positions. For example, lets say you have the dog laying on the floor while you are watching TV and a commercial comes on. Make them get up and sit, when they do it give them a piece of kibble and make them stay sitting until the next commercial then "down" again. and so on. Every time you make them do something you give them the command and once they do it you give them a piece of kibble. Never give them food if they don't fallow the command, and you should always finish off the days worth of Kibble by the end of the day. NEVER Deprive your dog of their daily allowance of food.
Why do this? It may sound tedious but by making your dog work for every piece of food he/she eats you are establishing a relationship that tells your dog that you are in charge. Ever hear the expression don't bite the hand that feeds you, well that is all their is to it. The benefits of this technique alone can work wonders for dogs of all ages especially puppies.
2. Walk your dog, don't let your dog walk you, Get a "choke" no matter what size your dog is no it is not mean it is the only way you can control your dogs every move. NEVER pull it and keep it tight. If you have ever seen Cesar Mullen's The Dog Whisperer you will see he will take the handle end of the leash and put the clasp through it making a lasso (essentially a choke)and he will always use a leash like this when he walks any dog. Make your dog walk beside you. Not in front of you or behind you. DO NOT look at your dog while you are walking just walk hold the dog on a short leash beside you and look where you are going, when you feel your dog try to turn or look in another direction give the leash a tug. This will cause the dog to look at you. It is very important that your dog is more interested in what you are doing than what is going on around you.
Why is it so important your dog pays attention to you? Because the one time you open the door and the dog bolts out between your legs and heads for the street when you say "COME" or "HERE" you want that dog to STOP and look at you. It is not an ego thing it is a safety thing.
3. Another Great technique to get your dog to pay attention to you is to do figure 8's it sounds crazy but don't look down just walk and make a U turn to the Left walk and make a U turn to the right. Don't worry about stepping on the dogs feet and DON'T try not to step in their feet. Don't lean to the left or right then turn to give them warning, JUST TURN. You will notice that your dog will begin to watch you. I even use the "Watch me" command they will soon realize that they need to pay attention to what you are doing or they are going to get stepped on. Magically you will become more important than what is going on around you.
4. Biting, in my case my dog tried to bite anyone who came in to the house. First have your dog on the leash when someone is coming over this way you have control. Have your friends come over just for training purposes. DO NOT answer the door when your dog is excited. Make them sit when your friend comes to the door. The Dog will be stubborn but make it happen. When they start to calm down then walk to the door (tell your friend they might be out there a while) if the dog gets excited stop and make them sit again. Continue this over and over and over and do not open the door until the dog is calm and do not let them get excited. Stop them and make them sit before they get excited.
More to come
To read the story of my dog Jack and the Gem I found to train him Check out my other Blog: http://crazydogproblemssolved.blogspot.com/
