Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about dog training and obedience
In writing The One2one Dogs web site, I've tried to answer the questions that most people have about dogs and training in Ireland. While the rest of the site covers the detail of how I work, and how to arrange a training session, this page covers some of the questions that come up often.
First, though, I’d like you to use these answers carefully. When someone contacts me with a problem I tell them I would like to see them with their dog, to be able to take a full history, evaluate the situation and work with the owner to solve the problem. Every dog, every owner, every question is different.
I’ve given brief answers to the following questions, but please bear in mind that a dog often has multiple reasons for a particular behaviour; it’s usually necessary to look beyond simple answers.
Question – My dog never stops barking, How do I stop him?
Answer - The dog may be bored, lack physical and or mental exercise. He may be lonely and you may have actually rewarded him for barking. For example, Your dog barks, you shout at him to stop, he barks more, you shout at him again, he still barks, you shout louder and …Bingo! You are barking with your dog! You have joined in, what fun for him!! Part of eradicating this behaviour is to praise him when he is quiet. If you take his good behaviour for granted and only acknowledge his bad behaviour you are unintentionally rewarding the very behaviour you wish to change.
Question – My dog is chewing my possessions.
Answer – It is normal behaviour for a dog to chew. Your dog needs to be taught what he is allowed to chew and what he is not. He cannot distinguish between your best pair of shoes or a dog toy. Make sure it is not a physical problem such as a nutritional imbalance or a toothache during the teething process. Is he left alone for long periods, or anxious? Your dog should not be allowed access to areas where he can cause damage, and crate training is very useful in this situation. Plus a variety of indestructible toys to keep him occupied, and of course… TRAINING!
Question – Is it too late to train my dog?
Answer – It is never too late and many older dogs are in fact easier to train because they are more settled than a puppy, and have a longer concentration span, and can focus on a task. Training gives an older dog stimulation and a new lease of life.
Question – How and when do I socialize my puppy?
Answer- A puppy needs to be introduced to as many varied situations and different people, children and animals as possible, as soon as you acquire him, aiming to cover all eventualities before he reaches 16 weeks of age, and continue to socialize him throughout adolescence and adulthood.
He can be carried around and taken in the car whilst waiting for his inoculation program to be completed. The more variety a puppy is used to the more balanced he will be, and less likely to be fazed by anything as an adult.
Question – How can I stop my puppy jumping up?
Answer – Very often people think it is cute for a puppy to jump up, but when he becomes a big dog with muddy paws it’s not so cute! Start as you mean to go on. If the puppy attempts to jump up, turn away from him and ignore him. Praise him only when all four paws are on the ground. If everyone does this he will soon get the message. Once he learns the ‘SIT’ command, teach him to sit when greeting people.
These answers are only a part of the solution and I would combine my reward based training program together with exercises the owner can carry out in their own home.
There is no quick fix. Please be patient and persevere and give your dog the chance he deserves.
If you don’t find an answer to your question here, please contact me on 071 918 1587 or write to info@one2onedogs.com.
Hours of operation: Training sessions take place between 10.30am and 4:30pm. Banada, Co. Sligo, Ireland.
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