How to raise a 'Good Dog'!

Love Love Love Love!     "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -- Josh Billings

• Learn to be the Leader!  Understand your dog doesn't "think" the way you do.

We need to understand that a dog sees the world differently than we do.  Dogs are natural pack animals.  They see their people family as their new pack.  All packs must have a leader.

LEADER: A person who guides and inspires.  A person of integrity who can encourage and develop his/her followers.  A leader is admired and adored.

To be a strong, loving leader, we need to communicate in a way that the dog understands.  When a dog misbehaves, it is not because they are bad - they simply don't yet understand what is expected of them.  If we understand what is expected of us, we can easily teach, and lead, them.

If a dog does not have a leader, they may try to assume this roll, which is not really their natural place in the pack.  This can be confusing and frightening for them.  It may cause them to become aggressive or overly protective out of insecurity.  

• Never YELL at your dog

Dog's have outstanding hearing.  Yelling at them will only impact your own emotions and mood, not theirs.  You must be a calm, confident pack leader.  When you yell at them, they may see you as out-of-control.  They will be frightened, and immediately forget what they have may have done.

Calm, firm, consistent correction is the only way dogs understand and can learn!!

• NEVER physically threaten your dog

If you raise your hand or any object to threaten the dog, they will only be frightened.  They will forget what they may have done wrong.  Negative actions on your part can only encourage negative reactions from the dog.   Although it may result in an immediate stop of what ever your dog was doing "wrong" - this is only because they are scared.  They have not learned anything!  You will find that your dog learns faster, behaves better, and is more in control if you train them through POSITIVE reinforcement.

"In dog training, jerk is a noun, not a verb."   -- Dr. Dennis Fetko

• Never IGNORE your dog

Remember, your dog needs to feel part of the pack.  If you come home from work, feed him and put him outside - your dog will feel banished and bored.  Just a few minutes each day of playing ball, taking a walk or practicing a new trick will make him happy to fit into your busy schedule!

• Socialize, Socialize, Socialize!!!

Your German Shepherd needs to be able to get along with people.  He needs to feel comfortable with them.  It is very important to socialize your dog as much as you can!  Bring him to the park, take him to PetCo with you, introduce him to new people when every you can.  Your German Shepherd will be naturally protective of you - the more you socialize your dog, the happier you will both be!

A little undivided attention can go a long way!!