Dog Training Tips from ARVSS

Two common problems with smart young energetic dogs: crate rebellion and excessive "mouthiness".

ANSWER FROM SUSIE AT ARVSS:
First of all, remember that the dog is smart and will test the boundaries of allowed behavior.

Find a totally awesome treat--leftover beef roast or chix, cooked liver. I like to spread Braunschweiger on a piece of bread and cut it up a little bit. Let the dog have a small taste of the treat. Open the door to the crate and bring the dog over by it, then drop the treat in the back so s/he has to enter the crate to get the treat. Once in the crate, shut the door. Remember--you have to make the treat the best treat ever!

Now comes the hard part :) You cannot give in to the whining, barking or crying!!!! The dog will test you to see if s/he can get out, but you cannot give in!! It is best to start this during the day.

Once the dog understands that you mean business and you are not a push over, you can start teaching the dog to go into the crate first and then s/he gets the most awesome treat. This should only take a few days.

The "mouthiness" is probably due to being a bit bored--it happens to all dogs once it starts getting cold. Look into getting KONGS and some other "puzzle" toys. PetSmart has a great "puzzle" toy that is an orange ball with one hole and you put small treats in it (we use cat food). It took a few minutes to teach our lab that if she rolls the ball around treats fall out, but now she can play with it for HOURS.

This is also the time of year that we all start utilizing doggie day care! It is a wonderful thing and you will be AMAZED at the difference. Some people only take their pets once a week, some (with sporting dogs) go two or three times!

Don't worry about anything and just keep in mind that your dog is a smarty and will try to train you :)

Susie

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