Pets’ bad behaviour is likely the result of owners’ mistakes
If your dog is behaving badly, you may have made crucial mistakes in choosing and raising your pet, says dog training expert Beth Babbin, who does the annual Canine Good Citizen presentations in partnership with The Citizen at the World of Dogs & Cats Pet Expo.
But a lot of unacceptable behaviour can be corrected. Babbin, owner of Wetnose Canine Training, says few people do the necessary research before buying a dog or apply tried and trusted rules of dog training.
Failing to check if the breed of dog you choose has the right temperament for your lifestyle, leaving small children to take ownership of dogs and not properly training a dog can result in bad behaviours. These include aggression, excessive barking and destructive behaviour.
“When you consider a dog, you must look at what it was bred to do in the first place. You can’t stop an animal from doing what is in its nature.”
A dog bred for herding will naturally herd and will run around herding children. Some herding dogs, like Australian shepherds and corgis, control by nipping, so they will nip in homes, she says.
Look at the breed’s size, temperament and activity level and if it fits with your lifestyle, but don’t judge only on size, Babbin warns. “Breeds such as Jack Russells and Dachshunds are hunters and small gardens don’t suit them. But the huge Irish Wolfhound is good for townhouses, as they are typically couch potatoes.”
Babbin also warns against expecting cross-breed dogs to display a consistent temperament. Before bringing a new dog home, you must have decided on the rules, where the dog will sleep and who is responsible for the dog. “A dog should not be given to a child. Children can help care for the dog in a learning process.”
Babbin recommends starting as you intend to continue when your new dog comes home. All interactions with the puppy and later the adult dog should be firm, fair and consistent.
At a reputable training school, the owner will learn how to control unwanted behaviours and the dog will learn what is expected of it. The Canine Good Citizen programme helps dogs learn good manners and obedience. “People hand over dogs to shelters because of behaviour problems when training could correct the problem.”
The annual World of Dogs & Cats Pet Exhibition (WODAC) will be from July 20 to 22 at the Gallagher Convention Centre.
Featuring champion animals, demonstrations and a huge range of pet products, WODAC is South Africa’s largest pet expo and one of its best family days out.
For more information, visit www.dogscats.co.za
Babbin will present Canine Good Citizen Bronze, Silver and Gold level tests, sponsored by The Citizen newspaper, at World of Dogs & Cats and Pet Exhibition.