The Problem Dog: How to Deal

You may from time to time have a problem with your dog. Here are some of the common problems and how to deal with them.

The Dog That Runs Away

If your dog runs away when he knows the meaning of the word come, the next time you go for a walk, carry a rolled magazine. If he does not listen when you call him, throw the magazine at his heels, kneel, call him again and praise him while he is coming to you.

The Cat Chaser

The next time you take your dog where there is a cat, carry a small rolled magazine. Put your dog on leash and introduce him to the cat. Hold the rolled magazine and if he lunges forward say "NO!" and quickly lower the magazine between them. If he is off leash and makes a dash for the cat, throw what you are holding at the dog's heels and tell him firmly "COME!"

The Car Chaser

Break the habit of chasing cars by arming yourself with two or three empty food cans and one or two empty cartons. Hide in the car while someone else drives. When your dog comes running out, and the car has stopped, jump out and chase him by throwing things at him.

The Playful Biter

When a puppy nips in play, biting is apt to become a habit. When your puppy grabs at your arm or at your clothing, cuff him on the nose and tell him "NO!" After you cuff him, pat him. This annoying habit could make your parents dispose of your dog.

The Serious Biter

Dogs bite for three reasons: to guard, when they don't want to do something, and when they are afraid.

Scold the over-protective dog. Make him understand that he must never attack because he feels like guarding.

Muzzle the fear-biter. Force him in a kind way to let strangers handle him. In time he may get over being frightened.

If your dog resents combing or growls when you take his bone away, rap him sharply on the tip of the nose and tell him you will have none of that! Don't bully him but let him know you are the master.

The Chewer

Confine the dog that chews in a room where he can do little damage. Give him toys and bones made of hard rubber or rawhide, or give him a tennis ball. Wait until you catch him chewing on something he shouldn't, then startle him! Throw something at the spot and tell him "NO!" Throw the object when he isn't looking at you.

The Digger

You may not be able to stop your dog completely from digging but you can discourage the habit. The next time you see him uprooting the flower bed or digging holes in the lawn, toss something at the spot and call out "NO!" Do this every time he starts to dig.

The Dog That Wets In Spite

If your dog wets to "get even," have someone hide where the dog can't see him. Play with another dog or go away and leave him. If out of jealousy or resentfulness he leaves a "spite" puddle, the person hiding can throw something or scold him and catch him in the act.

The Thief

Does your dog steal things from your closet? Balance a small pie pan on the inside handle of the slightly open door. Your dog will make the correction himself when the pan falls.

The Cave Man

Does your dog hide under the chair or the bed and growl when you try to get him out? Ask someone to drive him out by poking at him so he will run to you for protection. When he does, reward him with a pat.

If you apply these principles, you should be able to overcome any of these problems with your dog.

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