Spring Break
The Daily OrangeBehavioral tips keep fiesty canines on short leash
By Jackie Saunders
Posted: 2/20/06, 11:45 PM EST Section: Pulp
"Dogs see negative behavior as awarding attention," said Stahl of puppies who shred newspapers or steal food. "They love predictable behavior from humans because it gives them a sense that they are in control."
An important training tip is to teach the dog to lay in the "down-stay position," which is a submissive pose. Eventually by increasing timed intervals each day, a dog can be in a down stay position for a half an hour while it's owners are eating a meal.
Christina Walker, a staff member in The College of Arts and Sciences, plans on practicing these training techniques on her 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier.
"What I enjoyed most about the presentation is the combination of all the rules and how to put them together and reinforce them," Walker said.
Stahl's emphasis is on the relationship between the dog and his master. The owner must always take the leader of the pack position whether it be controlling when food is served or leaving the house first for a walk.
In accordance with the training methods, Stahl encourages owners to not feel guilty about crating or keeping a leash on in the house to tug when the dog tries to jump on furniture, beds, or guests.
Stahl promises it is all worth it because when the year is up, he spoils his dogs and lets them sit on the bed while he reads a book at night.
An owner of a 2 and a half-year-old Bull Mastiff asks how she can train her dog who has recently been stealing food from the counter.
Stahl replies firmly, "Complete supervision - that is the name of the game."
An important training tip is to teach the dog to lay in the "down-stay position," which is a submissive pose. Eventually by increasing timed intervals each day, a dog can be in a down stay position for a half an hour while it's owners are eating a meal.
Christina Walker, a staff member in The College of Arts and Sciences, plans on practicing these training techniques on her 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier.
"What I enjoyed most about the presentation is the combination of all the rules and how to put them together and reinforce them," Walker said.
Stahl's emphasis is on the relationship between the dog and his master. The owner must always take the leader of the pack position whether it be controlling when food is served or leaving the house first for a walk.
In accordance with the training methods, Stahl encourages owners to not feel guilty about crating or keeping a leash on in the house to tug when the dog tries to jump on furniture, beds, or guests.
Stahl promises it is all worth it because when the year is up, he spoils his dogs and lets them sit on the bed while he reads a book at night.
An owner of a 2 and a half-year-old Bull Mastiff asks how she can train her dog who has recently been stealing food from the counter.
Stahl replies firmly, "Complete supervision - that is the name of the game."
