Behavior Issues

Puppies are more than just babies in fur pajamas, and puppy talk isn’t the same as baby talk. Nonetheless, people seem naturally predisposed to understand much of what puppies are saying. But they’re also predisposed to misunderstand a lot. That’s because even simple puppy messages often have complex components.

www.fetchdog.com/shop/dogbowls-feedersWhat are handling exercises and why might they be useful?
Exercises that use gentle and positive handling can help to increase the enjoyment and decrease any fear associated with handling and restraint.  In addition, they provide a means for achieving a relaxed state, which might then be used if the dog begins to get excited or aroused.   Verbal exercises can and should also be used to help achieve a relaxed state (See our settle exercise handouts).  While the physical contact and attention you provide may be sufficiently reinforcing for most puppies, food treats can also be paired with handling to mark and reward the desirable response.  One important principle to always keep in mind is that the hand should always be an indication that something good is about to happen (e.g. the hand is a friend).  This means that physical punishment and forceful handling must be avoided. 

Fear in dogs can be simple (for example, he doesn’t like loud noises) or complex (for example, her life functioning is impaired by extreme shyness or anxiety, or endangered by fear biting). While some adopted dogs are vivacious and outgoing, many are fearful, and that fear can be the result of any number of complex interactions of genetics, personality, and life experience. 

Raising children and dogs together may not be as effortless as those reruns of Lassie might lead one to believe. Both creatures are in need of constant attention and care. Don’t get me wrong: I think dogs can make wonderful companions for children, but there are hidden responsibilities and considerations to keep in mind.