By Danny Presswood Copyright Danny Presswood, 2006 All Rights Reserved.
PET HEALTH
O
n a recent episode of “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” (AFV) one of the top three submissions for the $10,000 prize was a video of the aftermath of destruction a family’s pet dog had done eir home. This dog had destroyed an end table, ripped the frame doorway, demolished a patio door screen and frame, shredded eting, broken glassware, and had literally “eaten” a three foot by foot hole in the wall - destroying sheetrock, insulation, and framing e process. He was a one dog demolition crew! I was horrified and lled as I watched the video and listened to the mixture of giggles gasps from the viewing audience. It was as if the poor, unsuspecting y shrugged their shoulders and said “Bad Dog, Bad Dog, Whatcha “Ladybug” na Do?” they are made with carob, Voutton The morebut appropriate question, however, is and “MyChewy dog, my dog,toys WHY a chocolate substitute safe for • A doggy version an iPhone ou do what you do?” The answer to that question is not aofsimple one. e booksdogs. have been written concerning “bad dog behavior.” And the You’ll never find items at Paws is thatUnique every dog is different, and therefore, there is no “pat answer” Items Found Nowhere and the Palette that are in the big very situation. However, a basic understanding of “WhoYou dogs Else dog superstores. will are, also be How they to some appropriate ondog But behave” that’s onlywill the lead line ofusdog able to have asuggestions picture of your to handle difficult andYou’ll domineering If youright suffer from “Bad treats and foods. also find: dogs. painted before your eyes. Syndrome, ” thisdog article will help you understand whopurchase your dogwood is • Unique bowls And you could ha Dog •Mentality), and teach you how to “reprogram” andartyour Doggie jewelry frames for your own at home FancySoon dog collars thatDog, includes whimsical carvings ehaving•dog. you’ll be saying “Good Good Dog, Oh • Fancy dog toys of dogs “Bad on them. I love you!” You can find the follow-up article Dog, Bad Dog” RaincoatsArticles and woolsection sweaters 2, in the• Feature at K-9 Outfitters, A Division of for dogs (one type is beige and You’re welcome to bring in your ascus Road Enterprises. has a monkey on the back of Pawssyndrome” and the Palette Dog ut before we proceed, if you suffer from dog “badtodog with the sweater) Bakery & Boutique at 1014 24th family pet, make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition. •T iffany’s box called Sniffanys Street for cookies; do expect to your dog to the vet, explain your problem, andfind ensure he/she isdogs plenty of other hy, and doesn’t suffer from dental, intestinal, digestion, parasitic, visiting every day they her problems. Once you find that your dog is healthy, are openthe fromfollowing Tuesday mation should prove helpful. through Friday, 11 a.m. ogs are, by nature, pack animals. Pack animal behavior is instinctive to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. pack to 4 p.m. before dogs were domesticated and lived in the wild. Every They’re closed Sunday hierarchy, and every animal in the pack has duties, responsibilities, Monday you expectations. Since your dog doesn’t live in the and wild, he/shebutassumes can always visit them your family, and other household pets make up the “pack.” Many on Facebook. s, “bad dog behavior” is a result of confusion over “Alpha Dog s” or “Alpha Dog Mentality.” You must establish that you are also find Paws Alpha” dog in the pack. You must also establishYou’ll that other family and the Palette at differbers, to include the children, all rank higher inent theevents packfor than the SPCA, dog does. There are many ways to effectively put your dogand in his feline rescue the er pack ranking. Here are a few suggestions, orFarm rules,Sanctuary for handling around ineering dogs, and establishing pack rankings: the area. When you enter the house, make sure your dog enters last, even if you Lisa Spurney ust put her on a leash. This shows her where she ranks in can thebefamily reached at (916) 337-3370 k.” or Google at Paws and lpha dogs want the run of the entire house. Make sure her certain areas H&F certain Palette. the home are out of bounds for the dog. That the may include ooms, the laundry room, bathrooms, or the den. This helps the dog w you are master of the house, not him.
WHATCHA GONNA DO? PART 1 dogs occupy high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways. Don’t step over or go around the dog, nudge the dog and tell her to 3moveAlpha out of your way, and make sure she does so. This lets her know who
owns the space and who is in charge. Don’t 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. Exercise control over your dog’s 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. 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. 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
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