Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: All That Miss Behav-in’

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

It takes a village to raise a dog. But how do you reel in unruly behavior when you’re lending a helping hand by walking family member’s pooch? The Hairy Dogfathers have a few tips.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

My daughter wants me to take her dog out for walks while she works during her 12-hour shifts. But her dog “Lucas” is not too sociable with other dogs and humans. How can I help? Signed, Miss Behave’s Grandpa

Related:Cabin Pet-quette

Dear Miss Behave’s Grandpa,

It’s nice to hear that you want to help your daughter out, and it’s good that you recognize that handling not-so-sociable dogs can be tricky. One thing that most people don’t think about is that there are actually two ways to tire out a dog: physically and mentally.

If you really want to help your daughter out, I would recommend you treat Lucas and your daughter to an obedience class and take the class with them. You can practice the skills you learn from class with Lucas at home while your daughter is busy at work.

If you do this, Lucas will be mentally exhausted by the time your daughter gets home, and will help give him some basic social skills and self-control which should help him behave more appropriately around other dogs and humans.

André

Related:Bad Manners At The Dog Park

Dear Miss Behave’s Grandpa,

You’re awesome for stepping up to the plate! Many dogs are turned into shelters due to changes in their owner’s schedules and also due to anti-social behaviours. By stepping in, you are not only helping your daughter out, but you are also helping keep her dog out of a shelter. But it sounds like some more work is needed.

I strongly second the opinion of attending obedience classes with your daughter and her dog. In the meantime, look for some out of the way trails where you walk with Lucas and minimize his contact with other dogs. Avoiding peak times will help ensure you have the trails and parks to yourself. This way you can begin to work on some of the skills from the obedience class with fewer distractions. You and Lucas will have more success, and taking him out will feel less like a chore, and the both of you will have way more fun!

Kevin

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

The best way to prevent plaque on a dog''s teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.
Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Olive

“The view from down here is awesome,” says Olive, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Here’s what her owner’s Li…
Labrador Husky

Though the name of this breed suggests it is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky, the Labrador Husky is actually a separate breed.
Shetland Sheepdog

Thought to be quick learners, willing to please, and obedient, the Shetland Sheepdog can also be somewhat timid and sensitive. Is this dog a fit for you?
Havashire

The Havashire, or Yorkenese Terrier, as it is also known, is a mixed breed dog. His parents are a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred Havanese.
Sussex Rabbit

The Sussex Rabbit is greedy with food and prone to excess weight gain. This rabbit is considered one of the best breeds for families with children.
Pitbull Named Top “American Hero Dog” At The 2013 American Humane

Elle the therapy dog teaches children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming prejudice Each year, the American Humane Association honors American Hero Dog…
What’s The Deal With Designer Dog Breeds?

What is the draw of designer dog breeds and what are some of the most popular examples? Things you should know before bringing a designer dog home.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Lin

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Lin, a 2 years old Australian Cattle Dog and Labrador Retriever mix from Nashville, Tennessee.
7 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe All Year Round

April marks the beginning of Pet First Aid Awareness Month. To keep your pooch out of harm''s way, dog safety expert Melanie Monteiro offers up these tips.
Top 5 Things NOT To Say When a Friend’s Pet Dies (and What You Shoul

When a friend''s pet dies, you want to say the right thing, but the wrong words come out. We''ve got a few suggestions of what to say and what to avoid.
Best Dog Cones

Your dog''s recovery period doesn''t have to be more stressful than it already is- take a look at our top 10 list of best dog cones to find the ideal model.
Product Review: Animo Dog Activity and Behaviour Monitor

Keep a close eye on your dog''s behavior and activity, even when you''re not around. We took the Animo Dog Activity and Behaviour Monitor out for a walk and here''s what we think.
Keeping Your Cat Safe at Christmas

The holidays are full of fun and cheer for people, but they can also pose some hazards for cats.
Sunset Lorikeet

The Sunset Lorikeet is the real clown of the parrot world, just like most of their Lory relatives. Find out all about these adorable pet birds!