Although these habits are extremely frustrating and irritating, luckily they are fixable. Dogs generally misbehave for one of two reasons. Either they have not had enough training or they are not getting enough exercise.
Training should be done from a young age but it is never too late to start, and the saying: 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks', is complete rubbish. While it is true that training an older dog could take longer than training a puppy, it is definitely not impossible and the dog will eventually learn new behaviour. There are a number of dog training classes set up around the country and it is worth checking out whether there is one running in your area.
If you do not have enough time or money to attend a dog training class, simple training can start at home. The key is to be firm and patient. The tone of your voice is the most powerful tool in training any animal and so when your dog is nipping you or barking, the best way to deal with it is to say a firm 'no'. If the dog is nipping you simply fold your arms and ignore the dog, don't even look at him and walk away. If he jumps up, simply just turn around so that you are not facing him. He will soon get the message and give in. If you are calm and firm they will learn to know that you are the boss.
Another problem as mentioned could be that the dog is not receiving the right amount of exercise. A lot of dogs with behaviour problems are simply bored and they have nothing better to do so they develop unusual and sometimes incredibly frustrating habits. The answer to this is to take time out to go on longer walks or to play with your dog more. Playing with a dog activates its mind and therefore mentally tires the dog out.
Overall, playing with your dog, spending more time exercising him, and teaching him basic training exercises such as sit, stay and down will really help to restore your home to a peaceful, happy haven.
Training should be done from a young age but it is never too late to start, and the saying: 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks', is complete rubbish. While it is true that training an older dog could take longer than training a puppy, it is definitely not impossible and the dog will eventually learn new behaviour. There are a number of dog training classes set up around the country and it is worth checking out whether there is one running in your area.
If you do not have enough time or money to attend a dog training class, simple training can start at home. The key is to be firm and patient. The tone of your voice is the most powerful tool in training any animal and so when your dog is nipping you or barking, the best way to deal with it is to say a firm 'no'. If the dog is nipping you simply fold your arms and ignore the dog, don't even look at him and walk away. If he jumps up, simply just turn around so that you are not facing him. He will soon get the message and give in. If you are calm and firm they will learn to know that you are the boss.
Another problem as mentioned could be that the dog is not receiving the right amount of exercise. A lot of dogs with behaviour problems are simply bored and they have nothing better to do so they develop unusual and sometimes incredibly frustrating habits. The answer to this is to take time out to go on longer walks or to play with your dog more. Playing with a dog activates its mind and therefore mentally tires the dog out.
Overall, playing with your dog, spending more time exercising him, and teaching him basic training exercises such as sit, stay and down will really help to restore your home to a peaceful, happy haven.
