Dog Facts, Safety, and Training Tips

"How to Avoid Dog Bites" (PDF File)

1. Did You Know? The top six reasons dogs are given away are related to behavior problems.
2. The most impressionable time in a dog’s life is between 7 and 16 weeks. Keep learning a fun experience.
   
3. Socialize your dog from an early age – after their second series, of vaccinations – in a friendly, positive manner (friendly places, not public parks where stray dogs or wild animals might frequent, until after their full series of vaccinations). They should become familiar and comfortable with different people, friendly dogs, strange sounds and places. Remember, these should be fun experiences so always keep their tail wagging.
   
4. Freedom is earned not given! Dogs can be interior decorators, so until your dog knows proper behavior, know where he is and what he's doing at all times. It takes at least six weeks of consistently correct behavior to establish a lifetime habit pattern.
   
5. Is your dog ruling your house? To avoid unwanted behaviors, the best relationship for you and your dog is for you to be “leader of the pack.” See video for more information.
   
6. Accompanying your dog to a good (see Tip 8 below) training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog's education. Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home. Note that training classes are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers. – Taken from “Preventing Dog Bites,” The Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/ace/11837)
   
7. Having conducted group dog training classes for many years in the past, we find that the most effective and successful training involves the entire family in the dog’s home territory where the dog’s normal behavior can be observed.
   
8. Always check with local kennel or dog clubs, veterinarians, and or behaviorists to locate trainers or training facilities that use proven, humane training methods and produce good results, before signing up for classes.
   
9. Your dog can be expected to be your companion for about 10 to 16 years or more. Plan to invest 4 to 6 months training him so you’ll enjoy him the most during his lifetime.
   
10. Good Veterinarian care, a good diet and good behavioral and obedience training helps ensure you'll enjoy your dog for a lifetime.
    
11. When interacting with your dog avoid any play that fosters aggressive behavior, such as tug of war, rough housing or teasing.
    
12. Riding in the Car: Make your dog feel at home going for rides in the car. However, do not let your dog hang his head out the window of a moving vehicle – a foreign object could damage his eyes.
    
13. Safety Tip – Whatever your dog can chew up should be digestible. Don't give him any of your old shoes or socks since anything with your scent on it is then fair game! Make a deal with your dog: YOU won't chew any of his things, and HE won't chew any of yours!
    
14. Always have supervised, controlled playtime with your dog and small children! We find that most children under nine years of age need guidance when interacting with dogs.
    
15. Your dog’s teeth should never be on anyone. If this occurs and is not stopped it can become unpredictable biting! The Video shows how to stop or prevent this.
    
16. Don't force your dog into water if he's fearful. Gradual, fun introductions work best.
    
17. Is your dog playing "catch me" as he runs by? Teach your dog to come when you call him, the FIRST time EVERY time! See how to accomplish this on the video.
    
18. Dogs usually dig holes for fun or out of boredom. See Video for Solutions.
    
19. Safety tip! Dogs should not bolt through any doors. This includes car doors and gates. How to prevent this is clearly demonstrated on the video.
    
20. Is your dog taking you for a walk? Avoid choking your dog and collapsing his trachea. Your leash should be loose at all times. See video for demonstration.
    
21. Did You Know? Some doggie chews, such as rawhide, can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Supervise your dog when such chews are given, as they can also become a choking hazard. (Taken from “Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers”) http://www.hsus.org/ace/11840
    
22. Safety Tip – Insecticides used in over-the-counter flea and tick products may be toxic to your dog. Prescription flea and tick control products from your veterinarian are much safer and more effective.

Great Dog Training’s “Dog Behavior Solutions” ™ video addresses fourteen of the most common dog and puppy behavior problems and guides you through your dog’s training with “how to” step by step instructions and demonstrations using real dogs. Each behavior is covered in a self contained chapter allowing for easy review. At the end of the chapter, each of the  main points are highlighted and summarized.

The video is presented by veteran dog behaviorists Walt and Beth Kelly, who have more than 55 years of combined training and behavioral experience, and is a comprehensive guide to understanding the most common dog behaviors and correcting the unwanted dog behaviors. It provides humane ways to discourage unwanted behaviors and promote those that are desired. The techniques employed are proven by experience gained through training thousands of dogs and dog owners over the past 25 to 30 years. Learn more about the Kellys.