Common Myths

 

Aggressive Dogs can’t be rehabilitated.  Many trainers you contact about an aggressive dog will not call you back.  Either that or they will tell you to rehome the dog or euthenase.  This is because they have no strategy to deal with aggression.  Dogs are not aggressive by nature and if you understand what is causing aggression in a situation it can be addressed and turned around.

 

Rub their nose in it.  I can’t believe there are still people who will tell you to do this if your dog does their business in the house.  Positive toilet training techniques work.  If your dog is toilet trained and still messing in the house there is a physical or behavioural reason.  For example, dogs that soil in the house when you go out are actually trying to make sure you know where to come home to!  Once the separation anxiety issue is sorted the soiling will stop.

 

You must walk your dog once/twice/three times a day.  I hate seeing people walking their dogs in heatwaves and in the freezing cold.  This is usually because a well meaning person has told them that this will resolve behaviour issues.  Unfortunately it rarely helps.  And even if it solves one issue, others could surface.

 

Your Dog is bored. And that is why it chews/barks etc.  Destructive behaviour and problem barking is usually caused by anxiety.  It can also happen because these behaviours have been accidentally reinforced.  Have you left a toy or treat for your dog while you are at work only to find it saves it till you get home? 

 

Dogs should stay in the back yard so they know who is leader.  Dogs are by nature pack animals.  Keeping a lone dog in your back yard goes against their nature.   I believe its cruel.  If you don’t intend to let your dog be part of your pack then its best not to have one.  Yes a dog can survive outside in the cold or a heatwave and surrounded by flies, mosquitos etc.   So could you.  But you choose not to.

 

Get another dog.  If you have behavioural issues with your dog its always best to resolve these before bringing another pack member in.  This could just mean double trouble! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making life better for you… AND your best friend