Adventures of Djembe

Because my dad is the best dog trainer in Charlotte we get to meet lots of dogs who need training, and hang out with them after they’re trained.

And when I’m at home with my brother 7 and sister Zilli we often talk shop.

Everydoggy knows we Ridgebacks are exceptionally smart breed when it comes to…. well everything.

I thought it’d be a great idea if each of us came up with a dog training myth and BUSSSTEEEEDDD.

Myth #1 - A dog that chews things is either terribly bored or simply trying to be vindictive.

Not true. Although it’s not straightforward. Chewing is definitely one of the most common undesirable behaviors. However, dogs chew is part of their nature but they also need to chew on things to maintain healthy teeth and gum’s and good jaw strength. This is especially important when puppies are teething. What you need to do is redirect any chewing away from things you don’t want your dog to chew to things that are safe for him to chew.

Myth #2 - You need to understand and communicate in “dog language” so that your dog will understand you.

Again Not True, but it’s one that seems to be popular at the moment. Dogs are intelligent animals. They know you don’t look like a dog, you definitely don’t smell like a dog, and so there is absolutely no reason why you need to act like one. What is important though is to read their body language know when they’re whining because they’re acting up and when they are actually in pain.

Also make sure that your dog see’s you as the pack leader. Dogs are pack animals who will always obey the leader or Alpha dog. You need to be that leader.

Myth #3 - You’re only training your dog when you THINK you’re training your dog.

Wrong. You’re actually training your dog when ever you are together. Your dog is picking up on your verbal and non-verbal cues all of the time.
If you spring up and run to the phone every time it rings, you are training your dog that it is ok to spring up and run around whenever he hears that ringing sound.

If you get nervous each time you pass by the neighbor who walks their Great Dane on the other side of the street in the morning, you are training your dog to be nervous if the Great Dane is in sight.

You need to be consistent with your Dog and make sure you spend quality time together.

Posted on April 21st, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Uncategorized