New Haven, Conn (WTNH) – David Hennon from New Haven’s Animal Shelter and University of Pets Dog Training joined GMC Weekend with solutions for common dog training issues.

One of the reasons dogs are most often returned or surrendered to the shelter because of behavior issues. These are not bad dogs; they just need some training.

Training
Rewards come in many forms, just not treats. A reward can be anything the dog enjoys. When they misbehavior they do not get that reward. Perfect example is when a child cries in a store – the mother gives the lollypop to be quite, rewarding the negative behavior. That child knows knows that every time they cry in a store they get a treat. Humans and Canines will repeat a behavior they find pleasing.

Jumping
Perfect example, jumping. Even if you’re a dog person, a dog jumping on guests is a hassle and embarrassment. What do we normally do when a dog jumps on us? We push them aside and say off. Well, they got exactly what they wanted, attention. So, if we turn, (everyone in the room) our backs and fold are hands and look up to the ceiling that will hurt their feelings and will quickly learn they do not get attention when the jump. You may have to leave the room if the dog persists for attention. Outside always ask a greeter to ask your dog to sit before petting.

Excessive Barking
Excessive barking can be a huge problem. If your dog is barking out the window, which is a privilege, cover the window, lift it and if they bark cover it again. You can also teach them to speak and then quite, reverse psychology. . With dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command AND to be quiet. When the dog is barking, wait until they stop and say “Quiet” and give a treat. When they return to barking say,” Speak”. Use hand signals which I will demonstrate, and give a treat. Do not tell holler quite at your dog it just sounds like you’re barking along with him and he will bark louder.

Pulling
Walking properly on a Leash is a safety issue for you and the dog and will both enjoy walks more once you mastered this skill. Have a few bite size treats ready. Relax; they pick up on our facial expressions more than anything. If the dog pulls out to the end of the leash, don’t move and don’t try to reel them back in this, will only create them to pull more. If I push a person, they are most likely to push back. Wait until there is slack in the leash, starting walking again and, reward her with praise. This is what is called a life reward, instead of using a treat, continuing the walk is the reward, Practice every time you go for a walk. It will take time. There are many no pull harnesses that work fantastic (and I will have one on the dog) however, you still need to work the techniques because the dog will get used to the collar and pull again or you can switch to another type of no pull collar like the Gentle leader, which I will have the package to show.

For more information on dog training with David Henon, visit him online at http://www.universityofpets.net/