Dog Behaviors.
Dogs do communicate, and getting to know your dogs language is fun. Dog communication is expressed through body language, their facial expressions, their sounds, their actions and obviously their tail.
It isn't difficult learn dog behaviors. All you have to do is watch and listen. And he is going to do everything he can to learn your language too. Unlike humans dogs are very open with their expressions, here are some dog behaviors and what the mean:
-When dogs are happy they smile by getting that tail wagging thing going.
-The "grrrr" you hear as it shakes a toy is playful.
-The deep growl with tail tucked in usually means the pup feels threatened or is threatening.
-Sniffing around in circles usually means he has to go to the bathroom.
-Your dog looking at you with ears forward is confidence.
-Your dog looking down with his ears back and crouched is him showing fear.
Daily Routine
We have all heard "dogs don't tell time." That may be true but they do know routine. Dogs acclimate best when there is a routine they comprehend. If you play with them each night after supper, that is what they look forward to and it means following the same routine.
It isn't the time of day but the routine you establish that is important. If you feed him when you eat supper, whether that is 6 or 8 pm, the routine is you feed him when you eat supper. If you take him to the park on Saturday after breakfast, he will learn that the day you don't get dressed for work is the day you take him to the park.
Exercise and play
Exercise is an important and vital part of dog care. They need to be out, run around, and generally get rid of some of that pent up energy. Exercise is not only good for your dog's health, but also helps them behave better living in the home. Playtime is also great bonding time.
The size of your dog and the dog breed will affect the level of activity your dog needs. A fenced in backyard works wonders for many dogs, but a small dog weighing 10 pounds, probably gets enough exercise just running around the living room; given you provide play time and toys. Learn about your breed of dog, and then give it the amount of playtime it needs every day.
Dog Obedience
Dog care and training go hand in hand with dog obedience. Rules for dogs are Yes or No – not sometimes.
Dogs are pack animals. There has to be an Alpha leader. They will look to you to be that leader and you should assume that position.
Decide what is and is not acceptable behavior for your dog and his role in your family and stick to it. A dog does not understand that he can sit on the sofa today but not tomorrow. A 10 pound puppy sitting on the sofa is cute but if it is going to be 100 pound dog, you might want to rethink your rules before teaching. The aspects of dog obedience include the following:
Housebreaking
Take your puppy out when it wakes up, after play, about 20 minutes after eating, last thing at night and right away if you see it sniffing around in circles. Reward the positive behavior when the pup goes potty outside. Most dogs do not have a great deal of control until the ages of 4 months so do not expect miracles. If you adopt or purchase an adult dog, do not assume it is housebroken.
Basic Control Commands
You can easily start with your puppy or adult dog by putting words to the behaviors they are already doing. When the dog sits say "SIT". When the dog comes running to you say "COME". The basic initial commands are COME, SIT, STAY, and HEEL. As your pup matures you can lean on his hindquarters and say "SIT". You can usi
They should be a collar. It's also a good idea to have a tag giving your name and telephone number should your dog get lost.