By natural instinct, dogs are aggressive creatures. When in the wild, the instinct of an aggressive dog can be handy to hunt, defend themselves from predators, and defend their family and resources. Selective breeding over the centuries has eliminated dog aggression almost completely, but this trait is instinctual and physically capable of inflicting physical harm. However, this doesn’t mean that we as racing dog owners are completely helpless in training our dogs. There is actually many tricks and tools to help curb dog aggression efficiently and effectively.

Aside from aggression towards family members, dog aggression towards strangers can be a real issue. The source of dog aggression (towards family members vs. strangers) also requires different types of treatment. You can easily tell when your dog is nerved around strangers….he’s jumpy, more alert, fidgeting, pacing, and barking, fully focused on that strange person approaching.

Socializing Your Dog

Dog aggression occurs because he doesn’t like strange people, or better stated, he never had an opportunity yet to get used to the strangers. Your dog completely relies on you to expand his experiences in the outside world. Understandably, without consistent positive experiences, how can your dog be expected to relax in situations not familiar to him?

Giving your dog more “real world” experiences and all the strange people is known as socialization. Socializing your aggressive dog is critical, and requires you to expose him from a young age to a variety of new experiences, people, and animals.

How Does Socialization Prevent Dog Aggression?

When socializing your dog, he will learn that the experiences of new signs and sounds are not scary but fun. You must do more than just expose your adult dog to a big crowd of unfamiliar people and expect him to “settle down.” Your pooch must learn and be comfortable for himself. If possible, these lessons should begin as a puppy. Be sure to have your puppy or dog meet some of the following types of people in a fun and happy environment to get fully comfortable:

• Babies
• Toddlers
• Teenagers
• Elderly People
• Men and Women
• People in Uniforms
• People with Umbrellas
• People Wearing Motorcycle Helmets, etc.

Socializing Your Dog Without Fear of Strangers

Socializing your dog is more an effort in consistency rather than a specific training method. To curb dog aggression and maintain comfort with strangers, begin with puppy preschool. This is only a series of fun and easy group-training classes for puppies. Usually there are two or more trainers to help with basic obedience commands. Although the obedience training component is beneficial, the social skills your puppy gains is most valuable with many unfamiliar dogs at the training along with strange owners and trainers in an unfamiliar environment. This says to your dog subconsciously that strange dogs, strange people, and strange environments are safe and no need to create fear or dog aggression. Remember not to overwhelm your dog, but take it slow and increase the tolerance gradually.

CLICK HERE for more information on handling dog aggression and dominant behavior as well as tons of detailed information on other dog behavior issues.  Check out The Secrets to Dog Training Manual and put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog’s aggression problems.

Dog anxiety, and more specifically dog separation anxiety, is a very common issue among all dog breeds. Generally defined, dog separation anxiety is a state of intense panic created by the separation or isolation from her owner(s).  In less technical terms, when you leave for work in the morning, your dog is put into a place of nervous anxiety, intensifying quickly.

Since dogs are social animals, they require much social interaction as no dog likes to be left alone for long periods of time and separation anxiety is worse in some dogs than others.

What Can Cause Dog Separation Anxiety?

• Genetic Predisposition – Certain breeds are just predisposed to such dog anxiety behavior (including Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, & Airedales) especially if you are absent much of the time.
• Adopted from Dog Shelters – Most dogs from shelters have had serious trauma in their life, abandoned by previous owners with little trust.
• Dogs Separated from Mothers & Siblings Too Early – Puppies from pet stores are great examples. They are typically taken from their family at 8 weeks and confined to a glass box for another few weeks, which is psychologically traumatic for the puppy.
• Neglect – This is the biggest factor for dog separation anxiety. If you are absent more than present, such anxiety is inevitable. Your pooch requires company, affection, and attention to be happy.

Symptoms of dog separation anxiety are pretty distinctive. Your dog will learn when you are leaving from keys jingling or getting dressed to go outside. She may follow you from room to room, whining, trembling, and crying. Many dogs become aggressive at this point. Incessant barking, scratching, and digging at windows and doors (in an attempt to escape and be with you), chewing, or urinating and defecating in the home is not uncommon. In extreme cases, your dog may scratch, chew, or lick their fur to the point of self-mutilation and other obsessive-compulsive behavior. Your return is the high point of the day, but your departure tomorrow creates an even heightened sense of trauma for your dog.

The good news is there are steps you can take to minimize your dog’s separation anxiety. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Do:

• Exercise Her Until Exhausted – The longer you are away, the more exercise she needs (15 minutes minimum). Walk before you leave for the day.
• Distract Her from Boredom, Loneliness & Anxiety – Give her an attractive alternative to pining, chewing, pacing, and barking. Since all dogs love to chew, offer her a bone from the butcher. Even turning on some classical music or the TV on low helps give the feeling she has company.
• Room with a View – If possible, offer her a view out the window to see the world going by, which is next best to actually being out in the world.
• Acclimate Her to your Departure – Start nice and slow. Jingle your keys, put on your coat, open the door, then without leaving, sit on the couch and don’t go anywhere. Continue process until no reaction, then give a treat with praise. Gradually work up until no signs of stress.

Do Not:

• Act Over-Sympathetic – When she’s crying, don’t act too sympathetic. This sounds cold-hearted, but is actually validating her concern and is not good in your dog training. Ensure she can’t tell you feel sorry for her and don’t say “it’s OK girl…”

For more information on how to deal constructively with your dog’s separation anxiety, learn obedience commands, tricks, and other proven secrets to dog training, CLICK HERE.

House training your dog or puppy is one of the most dreaded and misunderstood types of dog training. This article will be outlining the two most common dog house training and puppy house training issues including:

• Submissive or Excited Urination
• Scent Marking

House Training – Common Submissive Urination

A submissive urinator is a dog which seemingly uncontrollably urinates on the floor and themselves in circumstances of extreme stress or excitement (i.e. after being scolded or when you arrive home for the day). Traditionally it is the puppies who demonstrate this trait, but can also be common of adult dogs (typically either sensitive or timid dogs or ones from a shelter with history of abuse). Situations when an excited or stressed dog is likely to urinate includes:

• Arrival time after long absence
• Play time
• When guests arrive
• Stressful home circumstances
• During a scolding or correction
• Sudden loud noises

The good news is it isn’t difficult to correct this habit, and more importantly, there is NO REASON to take your dog to the Vet, as there is no medical reason for this issue (like a bladder infection). Dog house training steps you can take to help control submissive urination include:

• Limit water intake when you know there is a situation coming that would normally result in urination.
• Calmly greet your dog when you come home to not create any unnecessary added stimulation. Maybe a neutral greeting and a quick pat will do the trick!
• It’s critical that you DO NOT harshly correct this behavior, as your dog isn’t doing it purposefully and it is a challenging behavior to correct. A firm “No!” with some praise afterwards should suffice.
• If your dog urinates out of fear, try to maintain a firm and authoritative calm tone. Remember you’re dealing with a sensitive dog, where anger will worsen the issue.

House Training – Scent Marking

Scent marking is where your dog marks his territory with urine. Technically this issue is based on dominance and territory, rather than dog house training or puppy house training since a dog can be house trained yet still mark in the home.  Your dog is likely scent marking instead of merely relieving himself if:

• The amount of urine is relatively small
• The urine tends to be pointed at vertical surfaces, such as walls & doors
• He is an un-neutered male at least 5-6 months old (un-neutered males typically scent mark out of instinct – un-spayed females also mark but it’s less common)
• It makes no difference how often your dog is taken outside to urinate
• Frequently targets new items at the home (such as new furniture, guests, etc.)
• Conflict between two or more dogs

The most important thing you can do first is spay or neuter your dog as soon as possible! If done early enough, this can halt marking altogether (6 months of age or earlier). If your dog has been marking for some time, this procedure won’t necessarily eliminate the habit and your house training attempts.

Clean soiled areas completely using a non-ammonia based cleaner (ammonia and vinegar smell like urine). Many times Oxy-Clean mixed with warm water is effective and there are many commercially available products to choose from. Because dogs tend to remark the same places, you will need to redefine the area to prevent repeat occurrences. You can achieve this in a number of ways:

• Place his food next to or on top of the spot
• Play with your dog in that area
• Groom him in that area
• Place his bed over or next to the area

If there is any hierarchy rivalry between dogs in the home, it’s your job to help reinforce the position of the dominant dog. You can determine this by seeing which dog eats first, gets the toys first, or stares down other dogs. Feed this dog first or give a little more attention to this dog, which will make it clear to all the dogs in the house which dog is dominant. When this hierarchy i s clearly established, territorial and dominant behavior like scent marking will disappear overnight.

For additional information in successful dog house training and puppy house training (as well as a lot more detailed information on proven house training and related issues), check out the highly recommended Ultimate House Training Guide. For more information, CLICK HERE to read testimonials and get more information.

Many dog owners wished their barking dog would always be silent, unless of course there is a prowler outside your home. We think “a good dog is a quiet dog,” but dog barking is their voice in attempts to communicate. Dog barking is not necessarily a bad habit if he’s trying to engage me in some fashion.

Dogs bark for many reasons depending on the breed:

• Some dogs were bred to bark when a threat is imminent (particularly Rottweilers, Dobermans & German Shepherds)
  
• Some dogs were bred to assist in sport (Beagles, Bloodhounds, some Terriers)
• Some dogs just like to hear themselves bark (many of the toy canine breeds)

There are times a dog will bark regardless, including loneliness, hunger, thirst, and boredom. She sees an animal, she wants a toy, she needs to go potty….it’s not realistic to limit her barking for these natural reasons. There are other times when dog barking is unwarranted and annoying such as a means of manipulation. We’ve all been victims of canine manipulation, forcing us off the couch to cease the incessant barking and to play fetch or give him a treat. It is that respect and love we show our dogs that is essential to our relationship with them (feeding them tasty food, playing with them and loving them, taking them to dog racing events).

It is hard for many kind-hearted owners to come to terms with the fact that dog ownership is not about equality; it is about you being in charge and that you need to be respected by your dog.  Dogs aren’t children, and they are best behaved when they know you are in charge as almost a “pack leader.” This is why when manipulation sets in; you need to put your foot down. We’re not talking about actually ignoring her and continuing whatever you were doing, but when there’s dog barking without good reason, it needs to be conveyed through your body language she is not worthy of your attention when she behaves in such a manner. When she starts to “bark you” into doing something, complete the following steps:

• Turn your back on her right away
• Get up, avert your eyes and face, turning so your back is towards her
• Don’t look at her or talk to her, not even a scolding “no”
• She will likely be confused and bark harder, particularly if you have given into her bully-barking in the past. The more consistency you demonstrate in your dog training, the better behaved she will be.

If you want to convey the message for her to stop barking altogether, there is a perfectly humane, impact-free, and pain-free method to use to gain your peace and quiet. Just follow the following steps:

• Let endure the dog barking for a moment to get it out of her system (it’s more effective to give her a brief chance to express herself before asking her to be quiet).
• If she doesn’t calm down on her own, reach out and clasp her muzzle gently but firmly.
• She will try to shake you off, so place your other hand on her collar to gain greater control.

This method is effective as it silences your dog while at the same time reinforces your authority, showing her through physical actions you are a loving but firm leader who won’t take any nonsense. Hold on to the muzzle until she calms down…only after she’s calmed down has she accepted your authority. After being still for 1-2 seconds, give her praise and love for listening and obeying.

Most dogs function with 1.5 hours of exercise per day, which is a large time commitment from you. This varies from dog to dog, but if the dog barking seems to be coupled with boredom, inactivity, or destructive behavior, perhaps the simple solution of exercising her more will make a big difference!

By their nature, dogs are social animals and need lots of attention, interaction, and communication, otherwise they become anxious and on edge. If you’re interested in learning more about mastering unwanted dog behavior, then consider taking a look at the Secrets to Dog Training Manual. It is a complete guide for the responsible dog owner, dealing with recognizing, preventing, and dealing with nearly every dog behavior issue including dog barking. CLICK HERE for more information.