Training

Dog Manners

Dog Training and Good Dog Behavior from Dogs California's Thinking Dog System in Houston, Texas

The AKC long ago established a first impression of dog manners by creating the Canine Good Citizen test, a marker of proper dog behavior and a sign of essential dog training. They expect a pet dog to be friendly to strangers and sit for petting. The dog should walk on a loose leash and through a crowd, demonstrating self-control through distractions. Your pet should be able to stay when requested as well as come when called, again under distraction. His responses to other dogs should be minimal, and he can handle his behavior similarly in your absence. This is really just a starting test, however. There are so many other "bad dog behaviors" that we live with that are easily corrected with a proper lifestyle.

Look through the list below and see if you are accepting any of these poor manners from your pet. If so, you may benefit from either further education or even training with your dog.

Your dog barks at the doorbell or runs out the door when opened.
He excessively licks you or guests, maybe even other dogs.
He rummages through trash cans or surfs your counter.
Barks at guests or you while on the phone.
He scratches at doors or chews inappropriately.
He frequently or occasionally has bathroom accidents in the house.
He chews inappropriate items or takes your children's toys for his own.
Sits on sofas, chairs, beds, and in particular doesn't like to share them.
He bites at his leash on walks or pulls and drags you on the leash.
Jumps on people - anyone.
Nipping at people, hands, clothing, vaccum cleaners.
Can only seem to play rough with other dogs or children.
Displays aggression towards people or other animals.

When your dog bites someone, it's obvious to say there is need for education. These scenarios above are not so transparent but they are usually warning signs of developing bad behaviors that are preventable. In some cases, these behavioral issues are even born out of nervous energy your pet has developed about his place in your home. You and your dog don't have to live like this.