Dogs are intelligent animals that want to relate. They are naturally social but need strong leadership and clear structure to feel secure and to know what to do. A breakdown in these two basic dog needs is the root of much dog dysfunction.
Dominance Among Dogs
Dogs need to know where they sit in social hierarchy. The owner is dog leader ("Alpha Male" in dog pack thinking, regardless of your gender. If you have hyenas, it would be "Alpha Female"). The owner must dominate relationally or the dog will take over this role, become anxious or dysfunctional.
Think like a dog. Do not attempt to make your dog think like a human. You are the dominant species.
Basic Toilet Training for a Dog
Dogs are naturally clean and will soil away from eating or sleeping areas. Dogs instinctively scratch leaf matter or grass back over faeces with their back legs. Show your puppy where to soil.
If the puppy soils inside, it should receive a strong clear rebuke "BAD!" and a hand gesture, perhaps an outstretched finger that must now always apply to "bad" or rebuke. Do not hit the dog. Other hand signals will relate to other commands.
Dogs and Routine
Place the puppy firmly on outstretched newspaper in a washroom or bathroom area. Use a strong clear command, "TOILET!" or "WEE WEE!" The dog will associate its motions with the newspaper and the command.
Later move the newspaper outside. Place the dog firmly and repeat the command.
It is best to do this in the early morning, after feeding or late at night when a dog naturally passes a movement. Take the dog to the soiled newspaper spot. The dog will oblige and the newspaper can later be removed.
The dog is being instructed when and where to soil. Always praise and rub your dog when it complies.
Dog Greeting
Dogs must not jump up when greeting (family and friends may not like this when they come to visit). It is dominant behavior. "OFF" with a sweeping hand, then "SIT" as you arrive home, followed by lavish praise and rubbing will teach your dog the correct way to greet Alpha Male.
Why Dogs Bark
Dogs bark to communicate, signal, or be noticed. They are pack animals.
A lonely, anxious or fearful dog may bark. Exercise your dog and take it out of a confined home (to a park or along the street) on a regular routine to diminish barking. A tied animal left for long periods will bark.
Some breeds bark more than others. Beagles are bark-signallers (on the hunt), terriers are high energy, corgis bark a lot (they are herders), bulldogs don't bark much. Purchase the correct breed of dog for your neighborhood.
Solving Incessant Barking
If a dog persistently barks to be let in, open the door, shout "BAD!" and toss a glass of water out towards the dog and close the door. Open it later and welcome the dog with praise and rubs. Alternatively shake a soda can with pebbles inside at the barking dog.
This teaches the dog that barking is inappropriate and will not bring the owner, who determines contact. Contact must be regular so the dog doesn't feel anxious or abandoned by pack leader.
Lavish attention on the animal when it is not seeking it. This makes the dog feel secure.
Training Should be Simple
The KISS principle applies, "Keep It Simple Stupid!" Firm consistent unemotional commands, reiterated with hand signals, routine, praise and companionship are the essence of basic dog training.
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