Behavior Problems

• Extreme excitement or compulsive behaviors
  
• Mounting & mouthing people, pets or objects
  
• Submissive urination or house soiling
  
• Territorial marking or dominance
  
• Poop eaters, or finicky eaters
  
• Leash, fence or car aggression
  
• Toy or food aggression
  
• Separation anxiety
• Destructive behaviors
  
• Not obeying commands
  
• Barking back at you
  
• Fear & insecurities
  

In order for our pets to live comfortably in our human homes we must provide them with a little bit of education and expect some manners from them.

This list of commands and manners is just the basics that every dog should know.

Manners

• Respecting all humans personal space and belongings
• Never getting under your feet
• Have their own place, bed or crate for chill time
• Politely passing through doors or gates
• Hopping in and out of vehicles only on command
• No demanding, jumping up or barking for attention
• Not disrespecting you by begging for food

The list goes on, yes you can have a well mannered dog that is a pleasure not a pain.

Most manners can be improved and behavior problems can be solved with a little work for you and your dog. For overly 'hyper' dogs, they need extra education and activities to become tired and satisfied every day. Exercise their mind and keep them out of trouble by teaching them tricks and giving them jobs. Even if you spend ONE HOUR every day with your dog... it may not be enough... they have 23 other hours to amuse themselves.

Obedience Commands

• Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Stand, OK, are the basics
• Give, Leave it, Settle, Crate, Stop, Wait and Let's Go!
• If it's a job, give it a command

Fun & Tricks

• Spin, bow and roll over
• Fetch or hide and seek
• Pick up toys or your laundry
• Digging (yes digging holes, at the beach or in a sandbox)
• Speaking on command.... and quiet on command
• Jump through hoop or over leg
• Agility at home, in the trails or with a professional

Jobs

• Practicing Obedience
• Fetch, hold and drop things
• Back packing through trails helping you
• Bicycling or jogging by you

Every dog makes their own job if you do not give them one and challenge them mentally. Some dogs start a landscaping project in your yard or think they are tough enough for their own security business.

Good behaviour comes naturally if you follow these six steps...

1. Traditional Obedience Training
   The first step in dog training is for you to learn the basic commands then teach them to your dog. Sign up for a group obedience class, private instruction or research different training methods. This helps strengthen communication and confidence.
2. Socialization & Friends
   Dogs may be well trained, but it all goes out the window when there are distractions around. Make sure your dog has lots of friends for training support and socialization so they can live confidently and mannerly in our world.
3. Pack Rules (Manners)
   Dogs must obey your pack rules so they can be a welcome member of your family... no jumping, stealing, begging, door crashing for example. It also means enforcing doggy rules like doggies do.
4. Tricks and Tomfoolery
   Fun, tricks or agility training is great stress relief and helps with your bond. Fun is required if your dog is going to want to be a part of your family and obey the rules.
5. Exercise
   Too much or too little will be detrimental to your dog mentally and physically. Don’t make it a routine, have fun, keep it exciting, and stay in control.
6. Down time
   A well mannered dog is ready to go when the pack leader decides, and will take cues from them when it’s time to relax. Massages in the evenings while your watching T.V. or rewarding them with a treat ball for a while is a nice way to wind down and bond as a family.