Repetitive behavior— or the clinical name “stereotypic behavior”—is a normal behavior
performed in a repetitive and compulsive manner. We don’t know if dogs obsess the way
humans do, so we can’t call these behaviors obsessive compulsive.
Coming when called is one of the most important commands your dog can learn from both a
usefulness and safety standpoint. Dogs don’t automatically come when called— regardless of how much they love and respect you.
Dogs bark for a number of reasons: people walking by, other dogs, boredom, frustration, and loneliness, for example. Some types of barking can be redirected and controlled with the quiet command.
Socialization is the process by which your puppy learns to be comfortable with all the things in her environment. If this sounds like a big project, it is.
The sheer amount of biting and mouthing your puppy subjects you and your clothing to can be
shocking, even a little alarming. The good news, however, is it’s normal and healthy behavior,
and not in any way an indication your puppy will grow up to be aggressive.
Chewing is a normal and important activity for puppies and adult dogs. Lifetime habits form early and puppies need guidance in learning what is theirs to chew and what is not.
Nobody knows for sure why dogs eat poop, but we do know it’s a common and natural behavior in dogs (and many other species). Scientists think the practice originated as a way to keep the den area free of parasites and avoid attracting other predators.
Nuisance behaviors are the things dogs do that drive us crazy:
Raiding the garbage can
Stealing things and running off
Jumping up on people
Charging through the door
Counter surfing for kitchen scraps
Nothing In Life Is Free (NILIF) is a program that helps us teach dogs how to live in harmony with humans. NILIF will improve your dog’s behavior and teach him to trust and accept you as his
leader in a non-confrontational way.
Just like you would turn to look when someone says your name, dogs can learn to do the same.
If your dog learns to pay attention to you when you say his name, he is more likely to hear when you give him verbal cues, see where you are going, and learn what you are trying to teach him.
