No Bad Dogs!

• Dogs are often labeled "bad" when they chew on furniture, dig in the yard, and bark excessively. Granted, no human likes this. Especially when it's your neighbors dog at 3 am!

• Puppies chew, dig, etc. because they are learning what life is about and just want to have fun. Don't they look like life is wonderful as they are digging a huge hole in the middle of your lawn?

• But why do they do this? Because they have not been trained or they are bored and lonely.

• Punishment is not training. Rubbing your puppies nose in it's "accident" in the house does not teach the pup right from wrong.

• No animal will be an angel all the time without it knowing what is expected of it.

• Dogs do "doggy" things, they get bored, they get lonely, and they need exercise, training and love.

• Simple obedience training can make a world of difference in the behavior of an animal.

• Take the time to work with your dog so that it knows what is expected of it. Dogs learn by example and will learn when things are repeated.

• You'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

• Many breeds of dogs, such as labs, Australian shepherds, retrievers, etc… are working dogs, they were bred to do certain jobs.

• Living all day in the backyard for certain breeds is just not enough to keep them happy.

• When these dogs don't have enough stimulation or exercise, they can easily become bored or frustrated.

• Providing adequate chew toys, exercise, and love is a requirement. 

• A great chew toy is a Kong toy, especially if you put a few pieces of dog kibble mixed with peanut butter in the middle. Even better and longer lasting? Put the filled Kong toy in the freezer overnight!

• Please take your dog to basic obedience class, no matter how big or small.

Need more dog training and behavior information?

The Doggie Door - great advice for dogs regarding behavior issues, aggression, etc. Lots of good advice.

A trained dog is a happy dog, you can tell by the smile on the his guardian's face!