Some basics we've put together based on what has worked for us while working with our dogs.
| Feeding Time: |
| What you feed your dog and when you feed it can depend
upon a number of things. We feed twice a day, using a dry complete (Chicken and Rice) food produced by a local pet store. We try to choose a food which is mostly natural ingredients and have been very happy with it. |
| A few
big name brands similar to the food we use are: - Natures Best - James Wellbeloved |
When and how you feed your dog is quite an important matter,
particularly if you are at the early stages of trying to position your
dog in your home or pack. It is often a very good idea if
your
dog sees you eat before it is fed. If possible feed your dog
after you have finished a meal or if this is not possible, eat a
biscuit or small snack so that you are seen to eat first.
This
small thing can raise your status over a dog.
An additional step to feeding is always make your dogs sit or wait and do not allow the dog to the food until you say so. Once the bowl has been filled, make your dog sit and place the bowl down but do not allow your dog to move to the food and start eating until you allow them to do so. If the dog moves to the food with out your command, pick the food up again. |
| Walking: |
| If this
is your first dog
then you will find the amount of exercise your dog needs will depend
very much up on the energy level of your dog. Generally small
dogs and working breeds require a higher degree of exercise. We do at least three walks a day with our two dogs with a total daily exercise time of between one and a half and three hours, some dogs may need less or even more to fulfill their needs. Aim for an amount of exercise which leaves your dogs going straight for their bed or mat when you bring them home. |
| When
walking your dog on
leash try and keep your dog to heel (walking by your side or slightly
behind you). This helps assert your position as being the one
in
control of when and where you walk. When starting out or returning from a walk, remember to be in full control of your dog. Make them sit or wait before allowing the through the door or gate and always go through yourself before having them follow you though. |
| Mental Stimulation: |
| Keeping your dogs mind active is as important as
physical
exercise. We’ve found about 15 minutes of brain
taxing
activity is enough to wear out our pooches and is a great addition to
walk. More importantly if your dog has something to keep it
occupied when in the house, it is less likely to chew the legs off your
favorite chair. |
| A good
way to keep your dogs
minds going is to teach them dog tricks. Anything which makes
your dog think to get a treat can be considered mental stimulation. |
| Consider
some of the following toys if you are looking for ideas. - Nina Ottosson |
| Discipline & Limitations: |
|
A
good basis for setting boundaries for your dog is to always be
consistent. If you decide you don’t want them on
the sofa
and you tell them no, stick to it and don’t allow them on the
on
again. It is difficult for a dog to determine when they are
and
are not to do something. If you want them not to do a
specific
thing be consistent in your response.
|
| The Law and Things you must know: |
| Dog Tags (Not a fashion accessory): |
|
While
walking your dog (unless they fall into a few limited scenarios) you
need to make sure that they have an identity tag. From a
legal
stand point you need to have at least your name and address, anything
else is up to you. Courts can issue fines of £5000
for dogs
with no tag. Micro chipping while not a legal requirement is
a
very good idea, speak with vet for advice on where to have this done.
Office of Public Sector Information: Statutory Instrument 1992 No. 901 “The Control of Dogs Order 1992” |
| Picking up Poop!: |
|
Yes
its unpleasant but you have to do it, not only is it your
responsibility as a dog owner to pick it up, under some circumstances
it’s the law. Your local council will generally
sign post
area’s where it is compulsory and caution you of the fine if
you
are caught not doing so. There are some areas detailed in the
“Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996” where you must
legally
scoop! Generally speaking if your dog fouls a path, walkway
pavement or grass verge it’s the person in control of the
dogs
duty to collect the mess. Fines for not picking up can be
£1000.
Office of Public Sector Information: Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 |
| Dangerous Dogs: |
| This is
something that is
very important, you should know and try and understand the following to
appreciate what could be deemed an offence. The Dangerous Dogs Act, can basically be broken down in to two sections, Banned Dogs and Dogs Dangerously out of Control. |
| The
following type of dog are banned in the United Kingdom Pit Bull Terrier Japanese Tosa Dogo Argentino Fila Brasileiro Note the use of the word “type” and not “breed”. If a dog shows a predominance of characteristics of one of the above types of dog it may fall into that category and in which case you may find yourself in possession of a prohibited dog. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): Types of dogs prohibited in Great Britain |
|
If you
are not in full and
proper control of your dog, you may find yourself falling foul of the
Dangerous Dogs Act as your dog may be classified as
“Dangerously
out of Control”. In general terms, should a dog you
are
taking responsibility for cause a person or other animal harm or give
them reason to think harm may be caused, your dog is dangerously out of
control. So as an example, if your dog has a tendency to
perform
a barking charge at other dogs or pedestrians, your dog is DANGEROUSLY
OUT OF CONTROL!
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): Control of Dogs, The Law and You |