Points to remember
Learning should be fun and enjoyable, never scary. Blue Cross recommends using training methods that rely on positive rewards because we know they work. Training techniques that induce pain or fear are counterproductive because dogs, like people, have difficulty learning when they are stressed or uncomfortable. The relationship between owner and dog can also deteriorate, as the dog has difficulty trusting a person it is afraid of.
Dogs learn by association and tend to repeat things they find satisfying. During training, it is important to reward the things you want the dog to do with what he likes: food, praise or play. If there is a behavior you would rather the dog not do (such as jumping on people, which can be very rewarding!), try teaching an alternative, such as sitting quietly or getting a toy.
Brain games for dogs
Your teenage dog has a lot of energy at this age and it can be tempting to take him outside for hours to help him burn off the excess! However, you need to make sure he is not doing more than he should physically. Therefore, in addition to education, it is good to introduce many enrichments to keep him mentally occupied.
Food bowls, smell games and tricks can really help keep the young dog mentally tired without stunting his growth.
Will spaying will help my dog calm down?
A common belief is that spaying helps « calm the dog down, » but the truth is that if the dog’s behavior is not motivated by sexual desire, it will make no difference.
Spaying is a complex issue, and it is very important to find the right time to spay. It is good to discuss this with your veterinarian, and here we offer some suggestions to help you make the right decision for your dog.
The relationship with the dog
As mentioned above, it can be frustrating if you feel that your dog is « going crazy, » but rest assured that this will not last forever. Be sure to have a lot of fun with your dog and be patient and consistent even on « bad » days.