Let’s be honest- as you reflect on your dog’s behavior when company and friends came to visit during the holidays were you pleased with their behavior? I was not. Our friend of many years, Rosemary came for dinner,and Theo excitedly greeted her at the door. He took one sniff of her pant leg, smelled the three dogs that live with her and let out a growl like I have not heard before-not once but twice!! I was mortified and felt that it was a reflection on me. How could I have a dog that behaved like that?
I went over to my daughter’s house and Dexter her bulldog was dancing excitedly at the door waiting for me to come inside. My thought was please help me to have the strength to brace myself so he won’t knock me down.
I often think as much pleasure as our dogs bring us they really are pains as well. It is not really their fault,it is ours as our training regiment is not consistent. For annoying behavior to be changed over time, the humans have to be consistent. Pets are just like our kids when they were young. Do you remember how many times you had to get up at night and return them to their beds when they wanted to climb into yours? Sticking with it for a period of time, made all the difference and the unacceptable behavior slowly vanished.
Sometimes we may need the help of a professional dog trainer. This is someone experienced in animal behavior. The trainer can go to your house for individual lessons, or meet you in a public place as you are then working with real life distractions and situations. Another option is to take advantage of a group lesson for puppies, beginners, or intermediate learners.
Group classes will be offered on weekend afternoons at Shoreline Pet Lodge in Branford once the new addition is completed. The new addition includes a large indoor area which is heated and air-conditioned. This area can be used for individual dog training, group training classes, group play while boarding, and for our new doggie day care . Dog training services and doggie daycare are services are also offered to our dogs while boarding overnight in our Branford CT kennel.
Enjoy your Holiday week
Barbara and Dennis Butler
Shoreline Pet Lodge, Connecticut’s Premier Pet Care Facility and Dog Kennel..Dog Boarding at its Best.
