If you’re like most people, you probably fell in love with your dog the moment you met. You probably couldn’t dream of a better companion, and you couldn’t imagine life without him.

But now that your dog is grown up, does he still treat you like his best friend? Does he still make you feel special? Or has he become more independent and less interested in your needs?

According to animal behaviorist John Bradshaw, owners should understand that dogs are not wolves and respond differently to situations than their wild counterparts. If your dog doesn’t come when called anymore, barks at other dogs when they pass by, or maybe he jumps on guests when they arrive at the house, there’s a reason for that.

The good news is that all of these behaviors are easily fixed with a little bit of training!

Here are some tips for getting your dog back on track:

 

Start early

Dogs are generally more receptive to training when they're puppies, but you can still start training anytime. Just keep in mind that some behaviors may be more brutal to change as your dog gets older. Also, remember that the more you practice the behavior, the easier it will be for your dog to do what you want.

 

Keep it positive

The best way to train your dog is through positive reinforcement—rewarding him for doing what you want him to do (like coming when called). When he does something wrong, try to punish them but don't use physical punishment—it can lead to aggression or fear issues. Instead, try a loud sound such as a whistle, air horn, or something your dog doesn't like (like bitter apple spray). This way, your dog will learn what you want him to do and shouldn't do.

 

Keep it fun

Your dog will be more inclined to listen if they're having fun. Try playing games with them, like fetch or tug-of-war, before you ask them the hard stuff. This will make them happier and more willing to listen!

 

Keep it consistent

Remember, repetition is the key to learning. If you want your dog to learn something, don't just teach him once and expect him to remember it forever. Keep repeating the lesson until he gets it right and then move on to something else.

 

Don't forget about treats!

Dogs love food (and who doesn't?), so using treats as rewards during training sessions can effectively get your dog's attention. If you're having difficulty getting your dog's attention, try holding out a treat and saying their name as soon as they look at you. Once they've got their eyes on you, move the treat around in front of them so that they follow it with their eyes—this will help keep their focus on what you want them to do instead of whatever else might be happening around them!

 

Your Pet, Our Priority!

At The Pet Spot, we know what it's like to love your pets more than anything in the world. When you're away from home, you want to make sure they're safe, happy, and healthy—and that's exactly what we do.

We've been caring for pets since 2004, and we built our facility from the ground up in 2016. We used our extensive experience to create a layout that's tailored to meet the needs of our canine and feline guests. Whether your pet needs somewhere to have fun while you're at work or a safe place to stay while you're out of town, our team is here to provide skilled and loving care.

So, if you ever need assistance taking care of your pet, come by and see us.