Steps to take before man's best friend becomes his biggest frustration

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGHDALEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Walking down the street with a pulling, barking dog or opening the door after work to discover another pillow has fallen victim to the dog can be frustrating experiences. Disobedient dogs embarrass their owners, but there are some ways that owners can take back control of their home.

"The most common disobedience problem I see people facing is that the dog is in control of their owner, instead of the other way around," said Courtney McCormack, Pet Spa dog trainer.

A dog's life is based on a pack environment where someone takes control; if no one fills that position, the dog will.

When a dog assumes this role, it causes them stress and can lead to training difficulties and health problems, Mrs. McCormack said. "To deal with this, the owner should become pack leader. This will cause the dog to listen to you and become happier."

Tech. Sgt. Joseph Bates, 52nd Fighter Wing protocol and dog owner, enrolled his two American Staffordshire Terriers in a Pet Spa obedience class and continuously works on advancing that training. He believes that reinforcement is a key part of being a good pack leader.

"Owning a dog, and getting the behavior you want, is made up of a hundred little re-enforcements each day," he said. "Make the dog earn everything, this re-enforces that you are the boss. Ask them to sit before they eat and to do a trick to get a treat, even if it is just shake or give a kiss. But remember not to re-enforce the things you don't like."

While being a good pack leader will place a dog in a follower role, exercise is also important to a balanced dog.

One of my favorite sayings is, "A tired dog is a good dog," Mrs. McCormack said. "Different breeds require different amounts of exercise. Compare a Pointer, a Pug and a Golden Retriever. A Pug should not be over exercised due to it's size and stamina. A Pointer, on the other hand, was originally bred to be a hunting dog. A Golden Retriever, which has a great deal of energy and can't be cooped up all day and be expected to be calm when you return home. A Golden Retriever may need up to four hours of exercise per day to be content. On the other hand, a Pug can be walked as little as 30 minutes a day. Also consider how you would feel being locked in a house all day without some sort of adventure. Every dog needs adventure in their lives. So get them out and walk them. Try a new path so the dog doesn't get tired of it."

There may be times when dogs have more energy than their owners. Tools that can be used to overcome this obstacle are dog backpacks and a treadmill.

"For breeds that have that extra energy, I love the backpack and treadmill supplement," Mrs. McCormack said. "You won't always be able to keep up with your dog's energy. This gives them the exercise they need without wearing you out completely. It will also give you the chance to gain the strength to keep up with your pet. Plus with backpacks if you are going hiking with your dog, they can carry the water for you."

Sergeant Bates uses other tools to supplement his dog's workouts which create a job for them.

"My dogs rollerblade and bike with me, they go to schools and we train," he said. "I hope to get a kiddy wagon to teach them how to pull. I am not working their bodies so much as their minds. This wears them out and means they don't chew my furniture or shoes. Even little dogs need a job. You will be stunned at the difference it makes. If you own a high-energy breed or working dog, this is a basic life requirement for them; just like food."

When looking at behavior problems, Mrs. McCormack recommends learning about the dog's breed to see where the actions might stem from.

"Everyone has a different perspective on what exactly a 'good' dog is and a 'bad' dog is," she said. "One might say a dog that pulls is a 'bad' dog because they are not fond of being jerked around when walking the dog on a leash. Then you have to look at the breed; Siberian Husky's were originally bred to pull sleds. A dog that was bred for the cold weather may dig holes in your back yard when it is hot outside. The dog's survival instinct is to find a cool spot, so they may just be digging a cooling hole to lie in. Be sure to do some research on the breed you want before you get your dog."

While understanding the dog's breed can answer some questions, the owner should reflect on their interaction with the dog as well.

"Dogs are innocent creatures," Mrs. McCormack said. "What you get out of the relationship is based on how you build your relationship with your dog. Spend the extra time with them so they do not become that "bad" dog."

"The short and sweet of it is, 'A tired dog is a good dog,'" she said. "Not to mention it'll keep your dog in shape and when thhe gets older it could reduce the risk of certain health problems."

The combination of exercise, understanding and training helps create a well behaved dog.

"A dog who has all of its needs met means a balanced dog," Sergeant Bates said. "A balanced dog is a joy and is a contributing member of the family. They will share your joys and sorrows. They will greet you everyday and forgive nearly any sin." 

For more information about Pet Spa training classes, call 452-9362.