Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do? Part 1

On a recent episode of 揂merica抯 Funniest Home Videos,?(AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the 揳ftermath?of destruction done to a home by the family抯 pet dog. This destructive dog had torn the door off an end table, ripped the frame completely off a doorway, destroyed a patio door screen and frame, shredded carpeting, broken glassware, and had literally 揺aten?a three foot by four foot hole in the wall ?destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing in the process. I was horrified and appalled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles and gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting family shrugged their shoulders and said 揃ad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do??

The more appropriate question, however, is 揗y dog, my dog, WHY do you do what you do?? The answer to that question is not a simple one. Entire books have been written concerning 揵ad dog behavior.? And the truth is that every dog is different, and therefore, there is no 損at answer?for every situation. However, a basic understanding of 揥ho dogs are, and How they behave?will lead us to some appropriate suggestions on how to handle difficult and domineering dogs. You can find this article, along with 揃ad Dog, Bad Dog?Part 2, in the Dog Articles Feature at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises.

But before we proceed, if you suffer from 揵ad dog syndrome?with your family pet, make sure there isn抰 an underlying medical condition. Take your dog to the vet, explain your problem, and ensure he/she is healthy, and doesn抰 suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, or other problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, the following information should prove helpful.

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive from before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every pack has a hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Since your dog doesn抰 live in the wild, he/she assumes you, your family, and other household pets make up the 損ack.? Many times, 揵ad dog behavior?is a result of confusion over 揂lpha Dog Status?or "Alpha Dog Mentality." You must establish that you are the 揂lpha?dog in the pack. You must also establish that other family members, to include the children, all rank higher in the pack than your dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dog in his proper pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, or rules, for handling domineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings:

1. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you must put her on a leash. You抣l find great leashes, harnesses, collars and leads at K-9 Oufitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com

2. Alpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure certain areas of the home are out of bounds for the dog. That may include certain bedrooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog know you are master of the house, not him.

3. Alpha dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don抰 step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to move out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who owns the space and who is in charge.

4. Don抰 allow your dog to DEMAND your attention. Dogs usually do this by climbing on your lap, or by nudging your hand or arm. Make the dog sit, lie down, etc., and then give lavish praise and attention. Remember, you control when you give your dog attention, affection, and praise.

5. Exercise control over your dog抯 possessions. Take away all her toys, then give her a command, and when she obeys, give her the toy as a treat. After she plays with it for awhile, take it away again.

6. When you come home, make your dog greet you first. Ignore him until he does. He must be submissive to you, not the other way around.

7. Establish dog eating times. In the pack, the Alpha dog always eats first, and then the other dogs eat. Make sure the family eats first, followed by the dog. If you must feed the dog first, pretend to eat something first, then feed your dog. Leave the dog抯 food out for 10-15 minutes, then take it up, whether the dog is finished or not. She will learn quickly to eat when fed.

8. Always stroke (pet) your dog around the head, neck, and shoulders. These are vulnerable areas for the dog, and shows that you are superior. Be careful not to stroke your dog around the chest, because this puts him in the dominating position and undermines your authority as alpha dog.

9. Don抰 allow your dog to sleep in your bed! I know that抯 a tough one for some folks, but believe me, it抯 best for all concerned. The best thing to do is provide the dog with her own cage, crate, or bed. Put it in your bedroom if that helps you, but do it. Dogs 揔ennel?by nature. They like a safe, snug place they can call their own. You can find a wide variety of kennels, cages, crates, and beds at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com

Your dog is your pet. Ultimately, all he/she really wants is your love and affection (i.e. time together). Hopefully, these ideas and suggestions, along with a better understanding of who your dog is and the role he plays in the family relationship, will soon move you from saying 揃ad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha Gonna Do??to saying, 揋ood Dog, Good Dog, Oh How I Love You!?

By the way, the 揇estructive Dog?video did not win a prize on AFV, although I抦 sure the family could have used the money for repairs. Following our guidelines would prove a lot less expensive and would make for a much more harmonious family and pet relationship. You can find all the AWESOME products you need for training and spoiling your special dog at K-9 Outfitters, a Division of Damascus Road Enterprises. www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com.