Dogs are very loyal and intelligent animals. You can create
lasting friendships with them. Read on for tips on how to properly
love a dog and make one loyal to you.
Steps
- First of all, you can not make a dog love you. The dogs have
developed a "wolf sense" meaning they can tell your feeling. So
they can tell how you really feel on the inside not just the
appealing outside. Meaning, the dogs can tell if you are a
fake.
- Be consistent. There's nothing more frustrating for a dog than
an owner that can't make up his/her mind.
- Use single word commands like 'sit' and 'stay' and stick to
them. Don't use 'stay' one day and 'wait' the next. If you teach a
dog to lie down by saying 'down', don't teach him to get off of the
couch by saying 'down'. He'll think you want him to lie down, use
'off' instead.
- Be happy with your dog. When he does something right, tell him.
And/or give him a treat.
- Use a friendly tone. When he is naughty, use a stern, harsh
tone.
- Don't hit your dog. It may make it aggressive and prone to
biting.
- Socialize your dog with people and other dogs. A lonely dog is
not a happy dog.
- Make sure your dog gets all the play, walks and exercise they
need. A tired dog is a happy dog! Dogs with pent up energy tend to
become mischievous, destructive and all around blue.
- Always give praise and affection when a dog is acting
favorably.
- Make sure your dog knows his place in your "pack". If you have
children he should be below them on a pack level. The owner or
primary caretaker of the dog should be the "alpha" the dog should
respect this leader. If the alpha is not present, the dog will take
charge.
- Make sure your dog is part of your pack. A dog who lives
confined to a single room or garage all day and night will spend a
lot of time alone. As pack animals, they need to be with their
families, not isolated.
- Don't confuse your dog by punishing him for something one day
and not the next. In the dog world there is no such thing as
"letting it slide".
- Give your dog outlets for stress, boredom, or frustration. If
he chews, give him raw bones or chew toys. If he digs, make him a
"dig box" (a wooden frame in the ground, filled with soft dirt,
this saves your yard!).
- Dogs love upbeat and happy people. If you are feeling down,
chances are your dog will mirror your mood. Let them cheer you up
with kisses, play and general fun. If you deny them the chance to
make you happy, they might eventually stop trying.
- Always make sure your dog sees you with their food. The dog
will always love the feeder.
Tips
- While your dog is a puppy, make sure you put your hand in the
food dish (before they get too possessive of it) and make sure the
dog gets used to people around while it's eating, that way if there
are little children around they don't have to worry about getting
bitten during the dogs eating time. Plus, it encourages the dog to
share it's things.
- As I said in the steps section, do not be physical with them if
they aren't comfortable with you. Over time, your dog will be more
and more comfortable with you, and you can progressively get more
physical.
- Old dogs CAN learn new tricks, sometimes it just takes time
Patience.
- Giving dogs treats as a reward encourages them to behave only
when you have treats...DO NOT use treats as a reward. Use positive
praise with a happy voice, and back scratches.
- It make take a bit of time for a new dog to get used to you. If
they hide, don't bother them. They will love you at some
point.
Warnings
- Rescued/shelter dogs may have a hard time trusting you and
learning new things. Be patient, they may have been hurt by their
previous owner. Show them they can trust you by giving them time,
patience and love. Never hit a dog. They may bite
