Dog Behavior Tip Sheets

Your dog provides you with love and companionship, but chances are he also provides you with some unpleasant surprises from time to time—a mess on the carpet or a slobbery pair of slippers, for example. While dogs seem to offer their people love and friendship almost immediately, learning how to live by the rules of a human household does not always come so easily.

Maybe your puppy hasn't grasped the concept of housetraining quite yet, or perhaps your dog doesn't understand why jumping the fence isn't an approved activity. Whatever "issues" you or your pet may have, we have information that can help you address them. Our tip sheets are designed to empower pet caregivers to solve the problems that threaten their relationships with their companion animals.

Solving your dog's behavior problems may take a renewed commitment on your part, but it can be done. And it's worth it. After all, research shows that most dogs and cats are relinquished to animal shelters—or otherwise given up—because of common behavior problems their families didn't know how to solve.

Don't let challenges threaten the bonds you have with your faithful canine companion. With some effort and patience, and the advice on these tip sheets, you can address problem behaviors and keep your dog where he or she belongs—with you.

	Calming the Fearful Dog
	Crate Training Your Dog
	Dealing with a Dominant Dog
	Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Chewing
	Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior: Nipping and Rough Play
	Dealing with Submissive and Excitement Urination
	Dog Toys and How to Use Them
	Dogs: Destructive Chewing
	Helping Your Dog Overcome Fear of Thunder and Other Startling Noises
	Housetraining Your Puppy
	How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
	How to Use a Head Halter
	Introducing Your New Dog to Your Resident Dog
	Nothing In Life Is Free: A Training Technique for Dogs
	Reducing Separation Anxiety in Dogs
	Solving Barking Problems
	The Canine Escape Artist
	Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
	Understanding Your Puppy's Development
	Reducing Urine-Marking Behavior in Dogs and Cats
	Removing Pet Stains and Odors
	Positive Reinforcement: Training Your Dog or Cat with Treats and Praise
	Unusual Eating Habits in Dogs and Cats
	Dog Care

Caring for Your Dog: The Top Ten Essentials

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

• Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
• Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
• Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
• Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.
• Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
• Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
• Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
• Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.
• Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

	Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet
	Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering
	Where to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
	Stay Dog Bite Free!
	Choosing a Dog Trainer

Reprinted with permission from the Humane Society of the United States.