| Just like no dog is perfect, neither are pet owners. A | | | | "don't," again, using a low, growling, and firm voice. |
| lot of dog behavior problems go right back to poor | | | | 4. Leaving the dog alone too much. The pounds are |
| dog owner training. Here are some of the most | | | | full of young dogs that somebody wanted when |
| common mistakes dog owners make that lead to | | | | they were puppies, but because the owners worked |
| bad dog behavior: | | | | 12-hour days every day, the dog now has behavior |
| 1. Inconsistent training. Just like with your typical | | | | problems. Spend time with your dog every day. |
| human two-year-old, you've must be consistent | | | | 5. Crating a dog too long. Not only is this bad for |
| when training your dog. Letting Max get away with | | | | your dog's behavior, keeping him in a crate for hours |
| bad behavior even some of the time will lead to | | | | and hours day after day can affect his growth and |
| problems down the road. | | | | his muscle tone. |
| 2. Reinforcing bad behavior. A classic poorly trained | | | | 6. Chaining a dog. If you don't have a secure fence, |
| dog owner behavior. Even the best of us don't realize | | | | then keep your dog in the house crated. Chaining a |
| when we've done it. Here's the classic example: | | | | dog is dangerous and cruel. |
| Buttons scratches the door to be let in. You just | | | | 7. Yelling. Your dog will not respond to yelling. |
| painted the door and don't want Buttons ruining the | | | | Everyone loses their temper from time to time, but |
| new paint, so you let him in immediately. Guess what | | | | constantly yelling at your dog loses its effect quickly |
| Buttons just learned? If he scratches the door, you'll | | | | - just like it does on your spouse or your children. |
| let him in immediately! Don't let your dog outsmart | | | | 8. Hitting. Swatting your dog with newspaper or |
| you! You may just have to put up with a few | | | | hitting him just teaches him that aggression gets the |
| scratch marks on the door until Buttons gets the | | | | leader of the pack what he wants. Don't hit your |
| message. Never let your dog in the house when he | | | | dog. It sets a bad example. |
| scratches on the door or barks. | | | | Some dogs, especially some toy breeds or hounds, |
| 3. Using the dog's name when correcting him. It's | | | | may still have trouble. This is especially true of small |
| important not to make "no" sound like a part of your | | | | dogs. Remember, you are training your pet to not |
| puppy's name: Buster No! Just say the word, in a low, | | | | leave waste in his den, and to a small dog your home |
| growling voice. Don't use "no" when your dog isn't | | | | may be too big to seem den-like. |
| doing the unwanted behavior but is considering it. Try | | | | |