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Bad Dog Behavior in the Four Corners - Which Is Easiest To Change?
by Rena Murray
We have four corners, one dog in each, and each with an extreme bad dog behavior. In Corner Number One, we have Aggressive Dog Axe, who bites people and other dogs. He is unpredictable. In Corner Number Two, we have Shy Dog Skye, a dog who is such a fearful dog that she urinates every time a new thing comes in contact with her, especially new humans, but also new sights and sounds. In Corner Number Three, we have Willful Dog Willie, a dog who lies down when called or put on a leash, forcing you to drag him when he does not wish to listen . . . or even worse, he simply walks the other way and ignores your calls. Last but surely not least, we have in Corner Number Four Hyperactive Dog Holly, who is sooo hyperactive that she cannot focus at all when there is a distraction of even a simple sort. Let's not go there on big distractions, like another dog or human. Why, she pulls so intensely that she has sores on her neck. Her owners are so embarrassed by her that she is no longer walked and is not able to be in the house when guests come over.
So which of these would be the easiest to change? Keep in mind, there are obstacles and a great deal of rehabilitation needed for each of them. Let me spell this out for you.
The easiest to change, by far, is Axe. "Are you nuts?" Some professionals (who do not know dog psychology) have exclaimed. These are the ones who believe dogs like Axe should be euthanized without a chance.
An aggressive dog puts up a fine fight before he will let you have surrender from him. However, the intense fight he gives drains him. Once he is submitted, the next rehearsal of the behavior will be easier, and each time will get better and better.
Sometimes a dog of any kind is too far gone and there is nothing to be done. This is rare, but I have seen it a couple of times.
The second easiest to change in my experience would be Willie. To solve the dragging problem, loop the leash around the most sensitive part of the neck and pull UP, not to the side. Then keep walking. Eventually, Willie will get up when he sees he is no longer being catered to.
The refusal to pay attention when called? Get a training lead and bring Willie to you. Pet him gently. Say, "Good come." Step a couple of steps backward and again say "Come." If Willie does not come, then bring him to you. If he does, then give him a gentle stroke and reward him with "Good come" -- calmly, please.
The other two dogs, Shy Skye, and Hyperactive Holly? These two bad dog behaviors will be addressed in another article. Nevertheless, these two difficult dogs can be rehabilitated, too, just with more difficulty and more effort. So whether you have an Aggressive Dog Axe, Willful Dog Willie, Shy Dog Skye, or Hyperactive Dog Holly, be encouraged and do your best!
Need help solving Bad Dog Behavior? Ask Dog Behaviorist – Dog Obedience Trainer, Rena Murray, at The Dog Obedience Training Site - your source for all your Dog Training, Dog Products, and Dog Lover Gift needs. See Rena's no-nonsense "Platinum Expert Author" Articles for specifics on Aggressive Dogs, Fearful Dogs, Hyperactive Dogs, Dog Instinctive Behaviors and more, her "BestEzines"-featured free Newsletter – PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, and Paw Persuasion Blog - http://www.pawpersuasion.com/blog/ . Contact Rena NOW for hands-on help with a Private Coaching Session .
Contact the author, Rena Murray
, at rena@pawpersuasion.com
.
