Tag: Dog and Puppy Training
Some Common Puppy Behaviour Problems
Some Common Puppy Behaviour Problems
The arrival of a new puppy into your home can be an exciting time, but it can also bring its share of challenges as well. It’s important to correct behaviour issues in puppies quickly, as they will get worse if left unchecked. Here we’ve discussed the most common puppy behaviour issues listed by the leading dog behaviourist in Vancouver.
Chewing
It’s a well-known fact that puppies like to explore and chew on many inappropriate items. Chew toys should be given to puppies as a substitute. Also, puppies should always be supervised when they are given toys to play and/or chew. Be aware of your puppy’s surroundings and make sure that it is a safe area to prevent chewing on hazardous items. It’s a good idea to choose puppy training in Burnaby so that you can learn strategies for preventing destructive chewing.
Separation Anxiety
If your puppy howls and/or barks when you leave him alone, it could be because he’s experiencing separation anxiety. A dog behaviourist may help you work through these behavioural issues. Consistent daily training along with handy tips may help with building confidence and modifying the behaviour.
Jumping on People
It’s easy to get annoyed when your puppy jumps up on you with muddy paws. This may be a sign of seeking attention or a challenging gesture. This behaviour may be also due to the dog needing a job or work to do. Putting the dog on a daily consistent training routine will not only give the dog work to do but also build on a better relationship.
Pulling on a Leash
Puppies are instinctively drawn toward new things and excited by them. If your puppy tends to pull on its leash, select the best puppy training in Burnaby to help your puppy modify this behaviour.
Puppy Behaviour Vancouver
Looking for the best puppy training in Vancouver BC? Get in touch with A-Z Canine Training now for a training session so that your new four-legged friend may become an obedient member of your family.
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Why does my dog dig?
Why does my dog dig?
When I was a kid, we had a mixed poodle dog. We were taking care of it for my mom’s friend. This dog, Brandy, had a white curly coat. The first day we had him was not a great day. It was rainy outside and whenever we let him out, he would come back dark and covered with mud. My mom would wash him and dry him several times that day as Brandy’s repetitive adventure of digging and burrowing in the mud was fun for him.
A typical question asked is why do dogs dig?
It could be genetic such as with the Terrier group. These dogs were brought up to dig holes in search of burrowing rodents. With other dogs, digging is fun. It’s a way to burn off energy and to keep themselves busy. Digging could also be due to a dog having anxiety or stressed when left alone for long periods. Then there are the escape artists, dogs that manage to dig big enough holes under a fence to get out.
Digging is a difficult behavioural problem to fix. It is definitely not an overnight fix. Some of the solutions to prevent a dog from digging is to keep the dog away from the area and not to leave the him or her unsupervised. One should never scold a dog while and/or after it has dug since this will induce fear and lower its confidence.
Catching the dog in the act and following through immediately with an obedience routine is a good way to help correct the dog in this behaviour. Also, by continuing with a daily positive and motivational dog obedience training routine, it will help keep the dog busy and build on his or her confidence.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
Private dog training in Vancouver
Tony Giotto, Master Dog Trainer and Behaviourist has worked with many dogs since 2001. He studied with and worked for Master Trainer S. Prewitt of the Prewitt Canine Training Academy at the International College of Canine Behavioural Science.
Call us now at (604) 341-6509 for more information!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
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Begging at the table
Dog and Puppy Behavior Training
Imagine this, you’re going to a dinner party. As you approach closer to your destination, you can smell that aroma of a scrumptious dinner. That aroma invites you in as it would for a dog while you’re opening the oven door to a roast Turkey.
You can imagine that with a dog’s nose known to be more sensitive than a human’s, it’s going to want a piece of that Turkey. Once a piece of food accidentally falls on the floor and the dog lunges for it, this action can become repetitive if the behavior is not corrected.
The meal is finally on the table. Your dog follows you as you sit down and he/she waits for you to give food from the table. If lucky, a piece of food does fall on the floor for him or her to pounce on. Once you have started giving food from the table, the dog will most likely remain there until your meal is finished. This can lead to the dog repeating the same behavior.
It’s amazing to see how dogs act by begging at the table for some food scraps. There could be whining, shaking, growling, howling, tugging and nudging your leg for attention. If those don’t work, then the next step would be for the dog to try to jump on your lap or even on the table. A dog jumping onto a table may lead to another unwanted behavior such as counter surfing. In other words, if a dog can manage to find a way onto a chair, it can get onto a table to get to the food on the table.
Another reason why you shouldn’t give food from the table is to prevent your dog from getting sick eating unhealthy food (i.e. spicy). You may be able to monitor what you give your dog at the table, but there’s always the chance of something dropping on the floor or a guest feeling sorry and giving in.
There are different ways to correct the begging behavior. When at the dinner table, refrain altogether from giving food to your dog from the table. Having an area gated or your dog in a crate can be a good preventative measure.
Once again, it’s important to note that once the dog has started to beg at the table and is rewarded with food, he or she will likely be there every time you sit down for a meal.
Dog and Puppy Behavior Training in Vancouver
Utilizing a daily consistent positive and motivational training routine can help modify this behaviour.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
Tony Giotto, Master Dog Trainer and Behaviourist has worked with many dogs since 2001. He studied with and worked for Master Trainer S. Prewitt of the Prewitt Canine Training Academy at the International College of Canine Behavioural Science.
Call us now at (604) 341-6509 for more information!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
Degenerative Myelopathy: Wicked and Deadly Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy: Wicked and Deadly Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy, such a weird and scary term for a name of a disease. In layman terms, it is a sickening and wicked disabling disease. A disease that eventually crushes down the health of a dog. It is said that it is compared to the Lou Gehrig or ALS disease in humans.
In short, Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that there is no cure. It starts as a deterioration of the middle core of the spinal column. As this happens, the dog will start to lose sensation and motor skills of the hind legs. It happens to specific breeds and the German Shepherd is one of them. This disease can occur when the dog is approximately 9 years old and up. More specific information is available on the internet.
At first, I did not know much about Degenerative Myelopathy until symptoms, as described earlier, were observed on our dog, Duke. The first problem Duke experienced was slight wobbling of his hind legs and then after a period of time, dragging of his hind legs. His walk was slower and one could hear the slight dragging of his nails as they rubbed against the ground.
As the disease progressed further, there was a loss of further sensation and he could no longer wag his tail. Duke needed more time in getting up and in the latter stage, he could not get up on his own. Assistance was given by using a harness to bring him out regularly so that he could relieve himself even though some mistakes were made in the house.
Gentle care was given and a decision was made to take care of Duke at home. A dog wheelchair was purchased for him so that he could keep mobile by utilizing his two front legs. At first, it was difficult for him to get used to the balance and mobility of the wheelchair. With motivation and praise, just as in dog training, he became more successful. It gave him a chance to roam around giving him some freedom as his hind legs no longer had the strength to support his back legs.
As time progressed, Duke refused to eat or drink as this is what happens in the later stages of this disease. At this point, we noticed that the strength in his legs weakened further to the point he was not able to stand up. With further research, it stated that the disease is painless and that the dog does not suffer.
We provided hospice care at home and by hand we fed Duke apple slices since this was the only thing he wanted to nibble. We also made sure his mouth was kept moist by using a water dropper. Changing Duke’s diaper was a regular routine. Also, we flipped him on different sides as he rested so as to minimize any bedsores.
It is true that dogs do keep a schedule, whether it’s meal time, training, playtime, bedtime, or other routines. Duke waited for my return from work to take his final breath.
The latest on a cure for Degenerative Myelopathy is that breeders are trying to breed out the gene that affects this disease. However, this will take some time and we only hope that a medicine will be available to help these poor dogs afflicted by this deadly disease.
This story is in honor of our Duke, and in no way is advocating what decision to take when a dog is in the grave stages of illness. Our decision in care was carried through by knowing through Duke’s eyes that he wanted to remain with us as long as it took until the end.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services