How to Raise a well behaved happy dog

Raise a well behaved happy dog with daily at home activites. How to have good communication with your dog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Imagine your dog as a person who wishes to be your best friend but, does not speak your language. Now your starting to think like a dog! Some compare their dogs to babies who have no language skills yet and no knowledge of the world.

2. So let's teach your dog your communication. Just like a baby, take it slow and have patience. A happy well behaved dog is in there! Lets find him.
   
   If you are starting with a puppy or an older dog you want to start with one word, one command at a time. Once they seem to have it down add another one but don't forget the last one!
   
   Reward your dog for the new things he has learned and his good behavior.
   
   Instead of punishing for bad behavior, show him the right way.
   If you yell at your dog they will respond just like a person. They will become scared and defensive. Simple let them know when behavior is not wanted and show them the correct behavior.

3. "All work and no play...." If you do not have the time to play with and excersize your dog you may not want to get a dog.
   
   Remember they sleep all night while you are sleeping and sleep all day while you are at work.
   
   All that sleeping is going to add to any dog's energy level.
   Get rid of extra energy by playing and excesizing.
   
   Its not aggression or bad behavior its just lots of energy.
   
   Some dogs are even considered to still be puppies until they are 8-9 years old.

4. 

   Now lets learn your dogs communication style! Dogs do not use words to express themselves. If you take same time to sit down with your dog and watch their actions you will clearly see this. And each dog will have their own style of communication.
   
   Take some time to get to know the barks. There are many different barks. Some one is here, I'm hungry, I need to go outside, I'm bored, I'm happy...etc.
   
   You may soon realize they aren't just barking to bark but are trying to tell you something. They don't realize you don't speak dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Owning a dog is a life long relationship. For you both to be happy, be patient with each other.

[soanyway]

on 11/7/2009 Wonderful article! I use sign language too....especially for when they get older...most of my furpersons have lived to be 16. I've been blessed! I have reocmn'd you. Pay it forward to all! ;-)