Where Can You Get Help if Your Dog Has Issues?
Many people adopt a new dog and are overwhelmed when they are faced with problems. One of the biggest problems between dogs and humans is our difficulty in communicating with each other. Much of a dog’s communication is through its behavior. There are actually many resources available to help you deal with a variety of issues.
When faced with common issues like housebreaking and basic obedience, there are many books available at pet stores and online. If you are a new dog owner or have never been through formal training before, it would be a good idea to sign up for a basic dog training class. Not only will your dog learn, but you will gain a wealth of information that will enhance your ability to understand your new best friend and communicate with them.
There are also numerous resources on the internet. Well known animal experts and trainers have websites and Facebook pages that offer a variety of tips and articles concerning dog behavior and
common problems. For example, Animal Planet has a site called “Pets: 101” (http://animal.discovery.com/pets/dogs.htm) which offers articles ranging from “Your New Dog” to “Dog Behavior”. Rescue organizations and humane societies are also a great source of information.
The Marin Humane Society (www.marinhumanesociety.org) has an entire section on behavior and training. There are pdf files that address a variety of behavioral issues that explain the causes and
techniques for dealing with them.
If you are facing more serious issues such as fear based or aggression issues, you should be cautious. For these types of issues, it is best to seek professional advice. Your veterinarian is a good place to start. They can evaluate your dog’s health and make sure that there aren’t any underlying physical problems that could be causing different behaviors. If your pooch is healthy, the best thing to do is seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend one to you. Another source for finding a good trainer is to talk to a rescue group. Specific breeds often have common characteristics and behaviors so it can be especially helpful if you talk to a rescue group that specializes in the breed of dog that you have.
Just remember that all animals are individuals. Most issues that you will face can be corrected by understanding what your dog is communicating to you through its behavior, and then developing a plan to modify that behavior. Once you have the plan, the key is patience, training, and consistency.
Written by Melissa Lederer
