| If you are the sort who returns to a home that | | | | Play Gently: |
| resembles the bowels of a shredding machine, | | | | Discourage tugging, pulling or use of excessive |
| you probably share board with a teething puppy. | | | | force. Always let your pet know if it hurts you |
| To rescue your footwear, get some chewy toys | | | | while playing. Yelp loudly and scold 'No' or 'Heel' if |
| for your dog to attack. All puppies nip for fun and | | | | they nip you by mistake. If the dog has the habit |
| gradually learn that biting is not acceptable. | | | | of ankle grabbing in the middle of a game - end |
| If your older dog continues to rip your home (or | | | | the game. Let the dog know you disapprove and |
| friends) apart - you have a pooch with a dire | | | | will not play unless it quits biting. |
| psychological problem. The only solution is the TLC | | | | Bonus Treat: |
| treatment (Yes, tender love and care will cure | | | | Reward pooch for every instance of good |
| your dog of most behavioral problems). Adult | | | | behavior. When he refrains from nipping a pair of |
| dogs bite to injure if they are trained for it, when | | | | ankles or obeys a direct command, give him a |
| they feel threatened or have a medical condition. | | | | treat, pet him or play his favorite game while |
| If a usually peaceful dog starts to bite in their old | | | | exclaiming 'Good Boy' in fond tones. |
| age, it can be a sign of pain or acute discomfort. | | | | Positive Reinforcement: |
| Have no fear, most dogs that bite can be cured | | | | Avoid chaining or striking the miscreant as that |
| of their habits with the proper training. | | | | can create resentment and anger in the dog. If |
| Socialize: | | | | your pooch is especially notorious, keep a water |
| Go dog park hopping. Your little pup will grow into | | | | spray around to scare it. |
| a well adjusted pooch, if it meets other | | | | Who's The Boss: |
| youngsters, canine and human. Puppies learn the | | | | Look her in the eye and let your pet know what |
| dynamics of the pack through interactions with | | | | behavior is unacceptable. A dog treats his human |
| others. It is a bit tougher to socialize an older | | | | family as its pack. For a dog to feel secure, it |
| loner. | | | | needs to follow a strong leader. If you are giving |
| Introduce Your Dog: | | | | your dog mixed signals about who's boss - he |
| Dogs can be taught to differentiate between | | | | might react badly. |
| 'friends' and potential threats or 'attack targets'. | | | | Top dogs protect the pack, lead all walks, take |
| Always introduce new visitors to your pet - the | | | | the most comfy spot, eat first and are generally |
| postman, milkman and the neighbor. Inform the | | | | "bitchier" - you should follow suite. |
| visitor of your dogs' tendencies so an | | | | If your dog does not respond to your training, |
| over-reaction on their part doesn't startle the dog. | | | | take it to a professional and don't forget that |
| Keep a firm grip on the collar while your pet sniffs | | | | "Beware of Dog" sign on your gate. |
| up the new person. | | | | |