Collins Good Dog Behaviour: An Owner’s Guide
By Gwen Bailey
()
About this ebook
Published in association with The Blue Cross, one of Britain’s top animal welfare societies, ‘Collins Good Dog Behaviour’ is an essential handbook for all responsible dog owners with numerous step-by-step photographs that will help to make training your dog simple and enjoyable.
Gwen Bailey believes that the first step to having a well-behaved dog is for the owner to fully understand the dog’s behaviour – only then can you learn to communicate effectively with your pet and create a successful partnership. She maintains that all dogs can be well-behaved and that you can teach an old dog new tricks!
You can learn about: how to be a good owner through talking and listening to your dog, dicovering the essential ingredients for a well-behaved dog, introducing step-by-step obedience exercises to prevent and solve problem behaviour. ‘Collins Good Dog Behaviour’ is a book which will advise you on how to make your dog really clever, thus making you a clever owner!
Gwen Bailey
Gwen Bailey is a professional Animal Behaviourist and the founder and MD of Puppy School, an organisation of professional tutors across the UK working to prevent behavioural problems among puppies. She runs training courses around the world, lectures at national and international conferences and is the author of eight animal behaviour books, including Collins Good Dog Behaviour and Dogs Behaving Badly. She is also a Trustee for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Related to Collins Good Dog Behaviour
Related ebooks
TERRIER-CENTRIC DOG TRAINING: FROM TENACIOUS TO TREMENDOUS Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Behavior: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dogs Unleashed Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Breeds: Which is Your Perfect Pet? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5NEW KNOWLEDGE OF DOG BEHAVIOR Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5PLAY WITH YOUR DOG Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Flat coated Retriever: Nutrition, character, training and much more about the Flat-coated Retriever Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBullmastiff Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPuppy Behaviour the Havers Way Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Secrets: What Your Dog Wishes You to Know Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStop Dog Aggression Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDominant Dogs - Handling Myths and Training Insights Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhy Does My Dog...? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5THE ART OF INTRODUCING DOGS: A GUIDE FOR CONDUCTING DOG TO DOG INTRODUCTIONS Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTake Control, But Don't Lose Control: Help for People With Dogs That Are Excellent Human Trainers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFree Ranging Dogs - Stray, Feral or Wild? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsZen And Mindfulness With Dogs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Gone Missing: Why Dogs Go Missing and How to Find Them Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN DOGS 3RD EDITION Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5"Stop!": How to Control Predatory Chasing in Dogs Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppy Development Guide: Puppy 101: The Secrets to Puppy Training Without Force, Fear, and Fuss! Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of Belgian Tervurens Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsResolving Fears, Phobias, and Anxieties: A Guide For Dog Guardians Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEnjoying Your Older Dog (Old Dogs, Old Friends Book 1) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Dog Behaviourist’s Diary Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5ARE YOU BITING OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW?: ARE YOU REALLY READY TO WORK WITH AGGRESSION CASES? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Grooming: A Short History Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAwesome Puppy: Activities & Training to Make Your Puppy an Awesome Dog Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTraining Dogs: A Dog Owner's Guide To The Science Of Behavior and Non-Coercive Dog Training Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Dogs For You
Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Lucky Dog Lessons: From Renowned Expert Dog Trainer and Host of Lucky Dog: Reunions Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppies For Dummies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5BEHAVIOR ADJUSTMENT TRAINING 2.0: NEW PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR FEAR, FRUSTRATION, AND AGGRESSION Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dog Food Cookbook: 41 Healthy and Easy Recipes for Your Best Friend Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Laden Raid Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dog Training For Dummies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Ultimate Service Dog Training Manual: 100 Tips for Choosing, Raising, Socializing, and Retiring Your Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5MINE!: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RESOURCE GUARDING IN DOGS Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppy Training: Owner's Week-By-Week Training Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSigns From Pets In The Afterlife Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppy Training: Train Your Puppy in Obedience, Potty Training and Leash Training in Record Time Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Amazing Afterlife of Animals: Messages and Signs From Our Pets on the Other Side Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Arthur: The Dog who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Edward's Menagerie: Dogs: 50 canine crochet patterns Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Dog Whisperer (2nd Edition): A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Collins Good Dog Behaviour
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Collins Good Dog Behaviour - Gwen Bailey
FOREWORD
By The Blue Cross
Dogs are a part of our daily life and they mean many things to many people. They are a source of inspiration to artists, writers and sculptors; they feature in films and television programmes; and their images are used to sell a whole range of products. Dogs were once kept mainly as working animals, but, in recent times, their principal role has changed to one of being a companion to share our lives. For a dog to be good company, it must be contented and have all its needs met. Only then can it behave in a way that allows us to enjoy living with it in our homes. Without a job to do, a companion dog must be given an outlet for its energies and some purpose in life. It will then be free to act in a way that we, as owners, can approve.
Sadly, all too often, relationships between pets and their owners break down due to a lack of understanding or appreciation of dogs’ special needs. The resulting bad behaviour forces owners to try various methods of punishment to no avail. If those relationships cannot be mended in time, the greatest loser is the dog who loses its home and is rejected by the people it knows and loves. If it is lucky, it will find itself in rescue kennels, like those of The Blue Cross. There it may languish for some time before a new owner can be found who is willing to take on the dog and its problems. In addition, the original owners who raised the dog lose a much-loved pet and may, worse still, without recognising their mistakes, go on to raise another puppy with the same bad habits.
The Blue Cross’s commitment to animal behaviour work stems from the belief that if owners understand their pets better, fewer dogs will ‘go wrong’ and be given up or abandoned. Owners who have developed a greater understanding of dog behaviour, make better owners who are kinder to their animals. Thus, the lives of the animals they own may improve considerably.
This book attempts to achieve a greater understanding between dogs and their owners and is fully supported by The Blue Cross. All relationships need to be worked at to be successful and the alliance between dog and owner is no exception. With the help of this book, you can achieve an understanding with your dog which will go beyond words, and the result will be a well behaved dog with whom you can look forward to spending many more happy years.
1
CHAPTER ONE
ALL DOGS CAN BE WELL BEHAVED
Almost every owner would like a dog that is loyal, friendly, never naughty and obeys their every command. Most people, however, live with a dog whose behaviour is less than perfect and are tolerant of a wide variety of behaviour that does not conform to their idea of good conduct. However, it is possible for everyone to have a well-behaved dog. All that is required is that the owner develops a better understanding of their dog and changes the way they behave towards him. This book will help you to do this.
WHY IS YOUR DOG LIKE HE IS?
A dog’s adult character depends on both the genes passed on to him by his parents and ancestors and the environment he has lived in throughout his life. Both will have an effect on his personality, his temperament and qualities, and, consequently, on the way he behaves.
Genetic influences in dogs are very profound. Our present-day dogs are all descendants of the wolves. Wolves are efficient predators of large prey that hunt co-operatively in packs. To do this they need to be sociable and communicative; both traits that make them excellent precursors of our domestic dogs.
Terriers enjoy games with toys that squeak because they were bred to catch and kill small animals.
In addition, the wolves have an instinctive hunting behaviour which gave them a suitable template to exploit in order to produce the working breeds. We selected the qualities we most admired and created a whole range of dogs to suit different purposes. Different breeds have specific traits that their ancestors required for their ‘job’. For example, Collies are born with a strong instinct to chase and herd moving objects, Terriers enjoy shake and kill games, particularly with objects that squeak, Dachshunds and Terriers which are bred to ‘go to ground’ like to dig, and Bull Terriers like to hang on to objects and tug.
Puppies learn about each other’s strengths and weaknesses as they play together.
While genes have given our dogs the blueprint for behaviour, the environment in which they live helps develop and strengthen behaviour patterns. Dogs that are raised and kept in different situations will have different characters. Thus, for example, a pet dog raised from a very early age in a kind home with lots of children and animals is likely to be friendly, playful and sociable, whereas a dog kept shut away for most of the time is likely to be shy and fearful. A dog raised with overbearing owners will possibly have a low opinion of his own abilities whereas a dog kept with very indulgent, easy-going owners is likely to be more confident.
A Springer Spaniel is likely to be energetic and enjoy retrieving because of his genetic make-up.
Experiences early in life, particularly during the first year, will have the most influence on future character. However, dogs are very adaptable and will continue to change their behaviour as a result of experiences and influences from their surroundings throughout their lives.
It is impossible to say whether genes or environmental factors have more influence on the dog’s adult character. Both play their part and are inextricably linked. Both should be considered when trying to understand why a dog is like he is.
THE CANINE HUNTING SEQUENCE
The hunting sequence of the wolf is as follows:
1 TRACK AND FIND PREY
2 FIX GAZE ON PREY AND FREEZE
3 STALK
4 CHASE
5 GRAB BITE
6 KILLING BITE
7 DISSECT
8 CONSUME
9 RETRIEVE AND BURY WHAT HE CANNOT CONSUME
Man has accentuated different parts of the hunting sequence to create dogs that are suitable for various types of ‘work’.
2 & 9: Gundogs
2, 3 & 4: Herding breeds
1 & 4: Hounds
5 & 6: Terriers
WHICH BREED IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Acareful choice of a puppy or an adult dog will ensure that you acquire a dog with a genetic make-up that suits you.
1 LABRADOR RETRIEVER
BRED FOR retrieving fish and game from icy water
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: good-tempered, very agile, biddable
Labradors are natural swimmers and enjoy retrieving objects from the water for their owner.
2 GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
BRED FOR herding and guarding
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: alert, attentive, tireless
German Shepherd dogs can be territorial and are often protective.
3 BORDER COLLIE/WORKING SHEEP DOG
BRED FOR herding sheep
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: persistent, hard-working, compliant
4 JACK RUSSELL TERRIER
BRED FOR killing rats and foxes
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: alert, courageous, tenacious
Like most terriers, Jack Russells enjoy digging.
5 WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER
BRED FOR killing rats and foxes
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: active, resolute, high self-esteem
West Highland White Terriers will shake and ‘kill’ toys.
6 GOLDEN RETRIEVER
BRED FOR retrieving game
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
CHARACTERISTICS: alert, attentive, tireless
Golden Retrievers
7 ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL
BRED FOR flushing and retrieving game
ACTIVITY LEVEL: