Better Safe than Sorry…Teach Your Dog His Space

From the very first time you are outdoors and even indoors with your dog, you must instill in him the importance of knowing just how far he is allowed to venture.  Of course, dogs don’t quite understand that you are placing limits on their natural instincts to do their "dog thing", which is to wander. Unless you give them instructions and indications of your specific wishes.  Service and work dogs are acclimated to this sort of verbal and non-verbal work as soon as they enter the work training force.

For the safety and security of your canine companion, having the dog understand your verbal commands is vital for everyone involved with the dog.  Choosing specific language to use, a proper tone of voice that lets the dog know who is in charge, and finally…having the appropriate equipment to instruct the dog.

Consider using a training lead, at least initially, so that the dog begins to understand that a certain amount of freedom is acceptable and when at the end of his "rope", he will learn that there are definite boundaries.

Be patient with puppies and dogs that are exploring a new environment.

Be aware of the differences in types of collars and neck wear for dogs and think about the purpose of the collar and the lead prior to a purchase.  You may even need to be aware of the length of your dog’s coat, his pulling strength, and the sensitivity of the skin around the neck area.

Some dogs respond more effectively to a more restrictive collar and lead while others are of a more relaxed temperament and do well with little force.

Once your dog knows the limitations of the environment, everyone will be much happier and feel a bit more comfortable about beginning the next phase of basic obedience training: off leash!

For more details, read How Far Will Your Dog Really Go?

Normal Manners Should Still be Considered

Does it seem that the word,"manners" has taken a very serious backseat to the hedonistic tendencies of our society today?  What has happened to the simple pleases and thank you, the opening of a door for someone, or offering your seat to someone who is obviously having a few problems with their balance? 

Bear with me as I digress here as there is definitely a BIG point here.  Common courtesy has apparently taken a  dive for many in our hurry up, self-centered generation.  And, even in writing these words, I find myself feeling intensely old.  I was raised to look at people when conversing, look behind me when walking through a door, and sending a note after receiving a gift.

Skip ahead to being at a dog show where you are given a behind the scenes pass.  So, you have carte blanche to go where you’d like and supposedly do what you wish.  WRONG!  Regardless of the environment in which you are operating, your manners and etiquette speak volumes for what you are about.

It is always best to think before acting, especially when you are around animals that may not always behave in the same way that they might outside of a show situation.  You know, nerves can have that effect on the two and four legged ones!  Please, for everyone’s safety and happiness, just slow down and consider:

• Always ask ahead of reaching out to pet a dog that you don’t know.
  Approach the dog with gentle movements that allow him to see your intentions.
  Consider leaving strollers and wheeled carriages outside of an area that contains the show dogs.
  Think about the tone of your voice when speaking to the dog and ask if there are certain commands to which the dog will respond.
  Ask the handler if the dog is allowed to have a treat or snack before you give it to the dog.

  Just as people prepare for a show, so too do the dogs and their handlers.  While some dogs are completely relaxed, others experience stage fright and may be less inclined to receive strangers.

Better to be safe than to need stitches from a dog bite. 

Enjoy the show.