{"id":6381,"date":"2013-04-15T19:49:10","date_gmt":"2013-04-15T19:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hartz-v2.local7\/obsession-toys-teaching-your-dog-to-behave-in-a-sarah-minute\/"},"modified":"2023-02-24T15:34:22","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T15:34:22","slug":"obsession-toys-teaching-your-dog-to-behave-in-a-sarah-minute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/obsession-toys-teaching-your-dog-to-behave-in-a-sarah-minute\/","title":{"rendered":"Obsession Toys! Teaching your dog to behave in a Sarah Minute\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

I spend most days interpreting dog or puppy behavior, and coaching people to teach their dog English as a second language.\u00a0 Dogs, like young kids, want desperately to be a part of things.\u00a0 They excite, sometimes over-enthusiastically, to every day transitions, like people coming to the door or family members leaving.\u00a0 When training is overlooked, a dog or puppy often responds by over-reacting.\u00a0 This often brings a flush of excitement from the person involved, which is construed by dogs as play posturing or confrontational.\u00a0 Therefore, the dog or puppy becomes more reactive\u2014more jumpy more nippy more destructive, instead of less.<\/p>\n

Over my nearly 30-year career, I\u2019ve learned to interpret human innuendos, as well as dog behavior.\u00a0 When a client says, \u201cRocco is pretty nice most of the time,\u201d I know Rocco is probably less-than-nice some of the time. \u201cJuno gets bored when we\u2019re out.\u201d\u00a0 Interpretation? Juno\u2019s destroying the house furnishings. Or \u201cAce is so happy when people come over!\u201d\u00a0 Ace is a jumper.\u00a0 He is excited for all the right reasons, but in need of some redirection.<\/p>\n

While bad behavior may sound like a life sentence, it doesn\u2019t have to be.\u00a0 If you think of your frustrations as your dog calling out for help, you can redirect your dog\u2019s behavior in a \u201cSarah Minute\u201d\u2014my term for redeeming a dog the very first time I meet them, either in person or over the phone.\u00a0 Dogs, like children, long for direction!<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my secret for redirecting a dog\u2019s enthusiasm: Discover your dog\u2019s \u201cObsession Toy!\u201d\u00a0 Find a toy or two that unlocks your dog\u2019s passions, be it a ball, a squeak toy, or a flying disc, and teach your dog to identify it on command.\u00a0 In my house, each of my four dogs has a favorite.\u00a0 Two love anything that bounces, my golden-mix has a penchant for discs that fly, and my little guy loves toys that squeak. The cues that prompt them?\u00a0 \u201cBall,\u201d \u201cDisc\u201d, and \u201cToy!\u201d<\/p>\n \n

\n\t\t \n
\n\t\tOnce you\u2019ve discovered your dog\u2019s favorite thing, tuck all other toys in a drawer for a month (later you can use them for special play time).\u00a0 Go out and buy multiples of your Obsession Toy\u2014either similar or exact replicas. Personally, I fancy the Hartz Mountain line of toys\u2014durable, available, and affordable. My dogs love the Dura Play<\/a>, Tuff Stuff flyers<\/a> and Quackers plush stuffies.\u00a0 Also, my children insist on getting their dogs an Hartz\u00ae Zoo Balloons\u00ae<\/a> each time we got to the supermarket.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got quite a collection! <\/div>\n\t \n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tView Product<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t\n

Use a command each time you play with the toys. When playing toss use multiple toys, exchanging one for another. When only one toy is used a dog may become possessive. Each time you bait your dog with a different toy use the same word or phrase, \u201cGet your Toy!\u201d\u00a0 Excite your dog to play with this toy and ask family members to do the same.<\/p>\n

Now think of the times when your dog looked up to you with a quizzical expression, perhaps while you were watching TV or doing the dishes. Get the sense that he was bored or\u00a0didn't\u00a0know what to do with himself? Well, you\u2019re probably right!\u00a0 Instead of ignoring him or giving a pat\u2014try to encourage him to \u201cGo find your toy!\u201d and then praise or play with him when he does! Just now Hootenanny, my golden-mix, nuzzled me for affection.\u00a0 As both hands are currently tied up typing, I encouraged her to find her \u201cDisc.\u201d\u00a0 Once I\u2019m done at the computer\u00a0I've\u00a0promised her a few tosses!<\/p>\n

Once\u00a0you've\u00a0determined your dog\u2019s passions and bought multiple toys to focus and satisfy his urges, place a few baskets about the house and fill them with several toys.\u00a0 I have baskets in my bedroom, the kitchen, and at each of our doors.\u00a0 When people visit, the dogs have been taught to grab a toy to show their enthusiasm, rather than jumping up or mouthing. Try it! Each time you come home or a visitor comes to the door, encourage your dog to take his \u201cToy\u201d and wait to pet him until he\u2019s calmed down.\u00a0 As good manners start at home, be sure everyone follows the same routine.<\/p>\n

More quick tips to come on encouraging the Four Paw Rule, the purpose of a fester chew, and a simple and fun positive way to teach your dog \u201cFetch!\u201d\u00a0 Remember, companionship and unconditional love flows from mutual understanding.\u00a0 Learn it with me In a Sarah Minute!<\/i><\/p>\n