Dog Guide

• • Dental Care
  • Finding a lost pet
  • Get in tune with your dog
  • Getting into good habits
  • Health issues in older dogs
  • Leader of the pack
  • Neutering in dogs - the facts
  • Walkies
  • Cope with seperation

Dogs are pack animals and like to have a definite pecking order to work within. Make sure he knows you're the boss, otherwise you'll find yourself in constant trouble. Socialise him as early as possible so he feels comfortable in company. An unsocialised dog can become territorial and aggressive. Un-neutered males and females are particularly aggressive, so have them neutered if you don't intend to breed. Socialisation should include sharing your dog care amongst family members, so he gets used to being handled by a variety of people.

Putting him in his place
Your dog needs to understand that the humans in the house come first.Reinforce this by feeding him only after you've eaten, never let him pass through a door in front and ignore any attention seeking on his part.

Use body language and clear direct (don't shout) speech to make clear that you are the pack leader. Come down hard on any aggressive behaviour, but avoid physical force. If they become attached to a particular toy or object and guard fiercely, simply remove it.