Page 333 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

recognize as sources of human affection. RUNNING OFF
It is natural for people to encourage this All dogs love to run freely and play, so it is
because it seems cute and fun when puppies important that your dog will return to your
do it. However, problems develop when this call when off his leash—you may meet
behavior continues in adult dogs. Teaching someone who isn’t confident around dogs,
young puppies not to jump up from the or another dog that is unfriendly.
very first day you bring them home can help Begin recall training in a distraction-free
you prevent this. environment such as your home or yard.
However, if you have an older dog Start by practicing “come when called”
that already habitually jumps up at people at home (see p.328). Once your dog
you will need to train him that this is will return to you quickly, move the training
unacceptable. This can be as simple as outside. Walk your dog on his normal
following the instructions to teach a “sit” leash, but have a light, long-line attached
(see p.324) so that he cannot jump up. If the as well and tuck it away in your pocket.
urge to jump up is irresistible to your dog, When you get to a safe, open space you can
it may be necessary to set up specific make a big show of taking off your dog’s
training sessions. To do this, put him on leash. He will assume he is off the leash, but
a short leash and get a friend to walk slowly in fact you have hold of the end of the
toward you. When your dog is sitting long-line. Leave the line dragging along Stages of aggression
obediently, your friend can approach and the ground and don’t pull it taut. Now call Dogs show a whole range of signs before they resort
to biting. Only if these signs are ignored will the dog feel
give him praise but must move away again your dog’s name, followed by “come,” stand the need to escalate his response.
if he gets overexcited and jumps up. As up tall and wave your arms with a big smile
training progresses, you should be able to on your face. Your dog should always want AGGRESSION
take off the leash but your dog will still need to come back to you, because he knows he A natural canine response when a dog is
to be reminded to “sit.” Make sure that will get treats or praise every time he does. not comfortable in a situation is to become
everyone enforces the rule or your training Keep the training varied—ask your dog to aggressive. However, for pet dogs to be
will fail. Do not become complacent about recall a number of times and be totally trustworthy in all situations they must
praising your dog for sitting obediently or unpredictable about when you call him. understand that aggression is not an
he is very likely to jump up as a way of Make sure that you always reward the acceptable response toward humans or other
getting attention again. recall in some way. dogs. A good owner needs to take note of
when a dog is becoming distressed and help
him be more comfortable in that situation, to
reduce the risk of an aggressive response.
Most happy and socialized dogs are not
aggressive other than in rare cases where
they are in pain or surprised while sleeping.
Never challenge an aggressive dog. If a dog
is growling at you, he is telling you that he is
unhappy and wants you to move away. Any
harsh treatment will only result in the dog
becoming more aggressive over time as he
feels the need to defend himself.
Do not attempt to remedy an aggression
problem without professional help. First
ensure you put control measures in place,
such as keeping your dog muzzled and on a
leash when out, and then speak to your vet
about getting a professional, accredited dog
behaviorist to assist you.

Runaway dog
The outside world can be full of temptations that might
encourage your dog to run off, so it is important
that he knows to return immediately when you call.

331