WHO'S BOSS?

• You would describe your dog as being naughty.
• Your dog knows the meaning of certain commands such as 'come', 'sit' but will only obey them if it is to his advantage or if he has nothing better to do.
• Your dog is easily distracted and won't come away from dogs, seagulls, bushes etc.
• Your dog instigates games. In other words he brings you a toy and demands to be played with or steals forbidden articles to get you to chase him. When he's had enough he walks off with the toy and ignores you.
• Your dog pesters you or barks at you until he gets what he wants.
• Your dog will only allow you to groom him if he feels like it. Otherwise he will walk away or if you are restraining him he will bite the brush, towel, your hands, roll over and generally misbehave.
• Your dog gets on furniture and resists your attempts to remove him.
• Your dog pushes past you to go through a door.
• Your dog is over zealous in the protection of his territory.
• Your dog lies in doorways, at the bottom or top of the stairs or in through routes.
• Your dog does not eat his food straight away when it is put down or worse still, guards his food bowl.

When you first bring your puppy or older dog into your home, it will take him a while to settle into your household and learn your rules. He will observe and learn from the behaviour of those around him, and work out how to get the things he wants.

If he can eat whenever he wants, have all the toys he wants, whenever he wants them, is allowed freedom throughout the house and given attention whenever he demands it then he will never learn to cope with frustration

If you find yourself constantly nagging him and getting little or no response to your attempts at basic training then you may need to consider controlling some of the things that he wants. You will probably be pleasantly surprised to find that he will become much happier and more secure. By asking your dog to earn the valuable things in his life you automatically put yourself in control. He needs you to feed him, walk him, keep him warm and comfy and provide company for him.

If you get cross and frustrated with your dog then he will learn, from your example, to get cross and frustrated when he doesn't get what he wants. Any attempts by you to discipline him will be seen as confusing and unpredictable behaviour, or worse still taken to be a challenge, one that he may readily accept and more than likely win! By acting in a calm controlled manner, concentrating on positive training, your dog will know what to expect, see you as an unflappable leader, and be eager to learn.

or feel free to post any questions/comments on our message board

or ring us on 01329 833813