I have always loved animals, especially dogs. I have always had a dog and could not imagine my life without one. The unconditional love that they bring into your life is wonderful.
My husband likes to tell this joke:
"Put your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car and drive 100 miles and see which one jumps out giving you kisses when you open the trunk"
All dogs have there own personality, and I believe all dogs can be good dogs. There are no bad dogs , just bad owners. If you treat your dog like he is a family member, and teach him rules and manners, he will be a good dog. I actually treat mine like he is my child and he is a great, I done the same thing with my dog I used to have.
Before You Get A Dog
Before you get a dog , do your research and educate yourself on the type of dog you are wanting to get. For instance, if you are not an active person you will not want to get a Labrador, they are a very high energy dogs and need to be active. Also consider the space you live in, if you have a 750 square foot appartment you are probably not going to want a Great Dane.
How To Properly Discipline Your Dog
I am not a trainer, but I know this works, it worked with my Pitbull (Pitbulls, thats another discussion in itself) and with my chocolate Labrador.
Training should start the day you bring your dog home. ** NEVER HIT, SMACK, OR SPANK YOUR DOG WITH YOUR HAND** when he does something wrong, that will only lead him to think that when a stranger going to pet him he is going to strike him, likely leading to a bite. Instead I use an envlope with a firm voice, and even when they get fully grown all you have to do is raise your voice and show them the envelope.
Potty Training Your Dog
I have never liked the idea of people smearing their dogs noses in their urine or feces. A dog is no different then we are, they can only go so long without using the restroom. I was told by a vet, that a dog can only hold his urine for about an hour when he is one month old, and to add one hour to that every month, until he is one year old. So for most dogs, you just need to be patient and try to get them outside at the right times, and praise them when they go to the restroom outside.
Chewing On Everything
My chocolate lab used to chew on everything. Best way I found to stop this, buy a bunch of differend bones and toys. Then every time your dog starts to chew on the chair legs, you raise your voice tell him no and spank him with an envelope. Then show him what he is supposed to chew on , and praise him when he does.
Dogs respond very well to the tones of our voices. There is no need for cruel or inhumane treatment even when training or disciplining .
Dogs know what we are saying, maybe not all the time, but they know. My husband and I can not say the words alpo, treat, ride, or swimming. We have to spell them or our dog gets so excited. starts doing circles with a huge smile on his face. It is so cute.
I hope this helps someone understand how to be ,and what it means to be a good responsible dog owner. It makes me so sad when people get a puppy and five or six months later take it to the pound. Having a puppy is hard work people , it's like having a child. They depend on you for everything. They require alot of time and attention and if they don't get it they will act out.
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