Dog parks or off-leash parks can be great places to let your dog socialize, play fetch, and for some aspects of training.
I have been to several parks that are very small, smell of urine, and the humans haven’t been responsible for picking up after their dogs. I have also been to parks that were amazing and the dogs and humans all had a great time! Here are a few things to consider:
If your dog is aggressive with other dogs, stay out of the parks and find a trainer who can work with you and your dog in a more suitable environment.
If you are feeling insecure about entering the park, chances are your dog will sense that from you. Alway take their leash off in the area provided prior to entering the area with the other dogs.
Dog parks are for well-behaved humans and their well-behaved dogs.
If you can’t handle your dog outside of the park fence, then inside the park is not the place to be.
Dog parks are good for human socialization and for dogs to use some of their energy. However, some dogs will leave the park more energized.
Never leave your dog unattended.
Dogs will be dogs and will do their introductory sniffing. Not all dogs will like each other. Don’t try to force that. Just be responsible and aware if there appears to be signs of an altercation.
If you are interested in going to a dog park but aren’t sure about your dog in that environment, contact a trainer and have them meet you there. They can evaluate your dog and go in the park with you if that’s appropriate. It can be a great place for you and your dog!
I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of my family. Zoe is her name. She is a Labradoodle. That is a Labrador mixed with a Poodle. They are very popular and if lucky, you can get one that has inherited Poodle hair rather than the shedding version.
Zoe is definitely more Poodle than Lab, so maybe she’d be more of a Poodlabrador? It’s all so confusing. To complicate things, Zoe’s Dad is a Rottweiler. So, I’m left deciding on an appropriate breed name.
I could call her a Rottilabradoodle or a Rottioodlab or even a Labradoodlweiler. I know that she doesn’t care, but I know what it’s like growing up with an unidentifiable heritage.
Come to think of it, her brother (not genetically) is a Yorkie/Maltese/Shitzu blend. hmmm. . . I definitely live in a multicultural or maybe that’s multibreedural environment.
Shortly after bringing home a new dog, I often hear clients say that they tell their dog “no” and it doesn’t listen. I think this is more of a communication barrier than a lack of intelligence on the part of the dog.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if by raising our voice we could say anything to anyone whether they speak our language or not and they would instantly understand?! So, when you feel the need to yell “NO!” Ask yourself if the dog really knows what you’re expecting.
Once they do get it, try following the correction with something that is positive for the pup. None of us like to be yelled at all the time!
My answer to that question – it depends. I don’t allow my dogs on the furniture because there would be no room left for a human. If you have dogs with aggressive or dominant tendencies, I would suggest that they not be allowed on the furniture.
If through training and behavior modification they have a change of attitude, then you may allow them on the furniture but by invitation only. This also applies to allowing them to sleep with you. It’s YOUR bed and you might allow them on it and you might not.
Consistency is extremely important while your dog is being trained. It is also important to give them a place (bed or crate) where they can be a part of the family. Remember, when a new puppy or adult dog comes into your home, they need to be shown that they are living with you and that there are rules and guidelines that they must abide by.
You won’t hurt their feelings. It’s quite the opposite. By expecting and demonstrating mutual respect, you can share your home with your canine companion and maintain peace in the kingdom.
As a dog trainer and behaviorist, I would like to openly admit that my favorite at-home command is “whatever.” It’s beyond reason how quickly my dogs learned to respect the power of the word “whatever.”
If I say it with a slight 1980’s Valley-girl tone, they are happy to respond. I find it particularly beneficial to use this command when all five of them are at the door waiting to come in and I am attempting to limit the entry to two of them.
As they are lined up at the door, I may say “Zoe and Moby, stay! Olive and Negev, ok.” As Zoe starts to move, I ask her politely if her name is Olive? She will sheepishly back off. Okay, so it doesn’t happen exactly like that.
As I select who may enter and who may not, I will – with much authority – release all of them with the respect-gaining “whatever” command. It always works! This is really taking dog training to another level, so I advise that you proceed with caution when incorporating this strict form of structure in your own home.
Do not attempt to use the “whatever” command without proper instruction and guidance from a professional dog trainer. Results may vary. =)
