Understanding And Correcting Aggressive Behavior : Your Dog Bites

The most common non-medical problem that dog owners ask me about is aggression toward people and other dogs. There is enormous variation in aggressiveness or assertiveness among dogs. Certain breeds such as chows are famous for this quality; but there is wide variation within any breed as well. Experiences in puppyhood influence aggressiveness as adults but genetics also plays a key role in this problem. Owner temperament is also a very important factor. The size of the dog involved determines the seriousness of this problem. Toy dogs can be almost cute when they growl and posture but large dogs are quite dangerous.

The dynamics of dog bites is not well understood by the public. Few people realize that the dogs involved tend to be family pets and not strays. Also, more than two-thirds of dog bites happen to people who are acquainted with the dog. More than half the dog bites occur to the very young and the very old and almost half of all bites to children are on areas of the face. Almost half of the claims made against homeowner’s insurance policies are due to dog bites.

Healthy mature dogs do not normally become aggressive. I can detect predisposition to aggressiveness in puppies as early as seven weeks of age. When I do detect signs that a pup will be an aggressive biter or a fear biter I caution the breeder or new owner that this particular puppy will need special care and training.

The Early Window Of Socialization

To understand canine dysfunctional aggression you need to understand factors in play when the dog was a puppy. Beginning at three weeks, when their eyes open, and lasting until fourteen weeks of age, puppies develop bonds and sensitivity to the people and animals in their life. If a puppy is not exposed to positive interaction with dogs during this period they may grow up without the skills they need to deal with other dogs. If they are not exposed to people in a positive way during this period they may never be comfortable with people. The middle of this learning window (8 weeks) is the best time to purchase a puppy.

Puppies brought to their new home at ten to twelve weeks of age may be more fearful and slower to bond with their new family. If the socialization process is delayed until the puppy is twelve weeks old or older the dog may never be relaxed or interactive with people or other dogs.

This is particularly true if the puppy has a natural shyness and fearfulness or if it is very aggressive by nature. If you do accept a puppy of this age be sure that you and your children handle it frequently and gently and not scold or speak to it harshly to it. Holding the puppy firmly and resisting the temptation to let go of it when it squirms to be released minimizes later aggression and dominant behavior. 

A puppy’s teenage years begin with it is sixteen weeks old and end when the pup is twelve to sixteen month old. Near the end of this period a hormonal surge causes dogs become protective and territorial. Males begin to lift their leg to urinate and females enter their first heat period. This will be the time that a normal dog begins to bark at strangers and guard the family and your property. This is also the time that some dogs begin to show objectionable aggressive behavior.

Factors Influencing Aggression

Besides age at socialization, individual genetics and breed are major factors in determining aggression. Guard dogs such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Akitas were bred to be more aggressive than the hunting and companion breeds. Terriers were bred as ratters and still retain their urge to snap. Hormones at play in intact male dogs and in females nursing puppies both increase aggressive behavior. Excessive punishment, teasing, chaining in the yard can all contribute to problem behavior. Too much undeserved praise also confuse dogs and lead to frustration and aggression.

Types Of Aggression

There are a number of types of aggression. The most common forms are dominant and territorial aggression. Some dogs show fearful, possessive or intra-sexual (male to male and female to female) aggression while others have a predatory form of this trait. Some dogs have more than one type of aggression.

Dominance Aggression

The Problem:

Dominant aggressive dogs are overly protective of their possessions and status. This is the most common form of aggression. These dogs tend to snarl and growl or snap when a family member approaches them near their food bowl. They attack other dogs as well as cats and farm yard animals. They often attempt to sexually mount people’s legs. When petted, groomed or detained in any way they will growl and snap. They often chase cars and bicycles. They love to wander and escape and will ignore commands that they return or heel. 

The first warning you will have that you have a dog prone to dominant aggression is when, as a small puppy, it growls when you approach it at its food dish or toy. This is the earliest sign of dominance. As this type of dog personality grows it will attempt to take charge of the house and the decision making process. Dogs that have dominant type aggression are very confident in new situations. Dominant aggressive dogs have very distinctive body language. They stand with their heads erect and their ears bent forward. They carry their tails proudly and stare intently at strange people and pets. They stand still facing the new individual and emit a low steady growl while they curl their lips and expose their teeth. These dogs will mount other dogs until the second dog assumes a submissive posture. They demand to be the center of attention in all situations and must make the decision as to who does what and when. They are oblivious to commands from their owner and never heal or look to their owner for advice or reassurance. They often urine mark new areas such as my veterinary office walls. Most of these dogs are unneutered males.

Dogs as part of the family see humans as members of their pack and attempt to establish their place in the social hierarchy by challenging more submissive family members, especially children. When dogs show dominant gestures like growling while guarding their food dish, and they aren’t scolded for this behavior, they inch up in dominance surpassing certain family members. Subtle signs of dominance can go unnoticed. Because we love them we explained these faults away until the dog finally bites a human who infringed on its alpha position. Owners often do not realize what occurred and think the dog bit for no reason." These dogs are often surrendered to animal shelters and are killed because their owners did not understand how aggressive behavior comes about.

The Solution:

Passive, submissive family members often have insurmountable problems correcting aggressive dogs. Obedience school is very helpful with this form of aggression but you must be willing and able to dominate the pet. The first thing to do when trying to correct this problem is to change the peck order of the pack – in this case the hierarchy within your family. Dogs are always happier not to have to be pack leaders. The dog needs to be at the bottom of the pack. You must become the pack leader. Husbands are often more assertive than their wives that is why many dogs that I see in my practice obey the husband and not the wife. To gain control of your dog you need to dominate every aspect of the dog’s life. When you play tug of war with the pup or dog; do not let it end up with the ball or rope when you are finished. When you feed the dog do not let it eat until you command it to come. Do not let dominant-prone dogs sleep in your bed or in the bedroom. Reserve that space for your family. Purchase a muzzle. Put it on just after you feed dog and take it off and give treats. Do not feed these dogs from the table. Instead, crate them during meals and feed them last. Neutering a young male dog significantly decreases aggression. Neutering them later in life is much less effective. If the dog has already begun to bite owners hiring a professional dog trainer is a good idea. You need to realize that not all dogs can be cured of aggression and that a trained dog may revert to its previous bad habits once the trainer has left.

General Rules For Preventing Aggression

Puppies:

Aggression ceases to be a problem when the pup becomes the lowest ranking member of the family. Once a dog accepts this social status he is well on his way to becoming a welcome addition to the family. dog bite agressive behavior

The first step goes back to before you purchase or accept a pup. Be sure that the breed and the individual puppy you choose are the right for your family. Sit alone in a room with the entire litter and observe them for a while. The more dominant pups will soon take charge of play activities and seek out strangers in the room. The fearful pups will be the ones that sit by themselves in the corner looking downcast. If you want a well behaved pet, do not choose the most dominant or the most fearful puppy. Breeds such as German Shepherds, Akitas and Rottweilers are not good breeds for timid owners. They need a family in which all members are willing to exert their authority. Lap dogs are wonderful pets but they do not like rowdy active children. If you choose a shy puppy you must be willing to spend extra time coaxing its courage in new situations. Realize that it will never become a confident dog.

All puppies need to be handled gently, firmly and frequently between the ages of six and eighteen weeks. They should be hand-fed by all members of the family and taught to accept food slowly and daintily without snapping or lunging. They should be verbally scolded or affection denied when they jump up on people, chase running joggers and children, ride legs or growl for any reason. Aggression-prone dogs should not be rough housed with, wrestled with or engaged in tug of war. Instead of physically punishing them one should speak to with a sharp “No” when they break the rules and then deny them affection and interaction for ten minutes. When they begin to understand what you consider objectionable actions reward them with a food treat.

Puppies learn good behavior from other dogs. It is good to expose them to well trained, people-friendly, non-aggressive dogs as playmates. It is amazing how quickly good behavior rubs off on misbehaving pets.

Adult Dogs:

Once a dog has assumed a dominance aggressive temperament it can be very difficult and sometimes impossible to change his outlook. Through fear, he may allow one or two members of the family to dominate him but he may never be fully trustworthy around lower ranking members of the family and children. I personally think these dogs are unhappy in their roles and long to have more assertive owners.

Adult dogs should always receive rewards for good behavior and be denied rewards for bad behavior. Normal dogs love to be petted and have their heads patted.. If you have a dog that is prone to aggression or bad behavior of any kind always have your dog sit and heel before petting, going outside, or entering and exiting the car. Dogs should be taught to sit calmly when you snap on their leash. These may not seem like important things but they help define the rules that apply to all activities that you and your pet will share. They also teach the dog that you set the rules. You must be totally consistent in your praise or criticisms. The dog will quickly learn that a given behavior always illicits a given positive or negative response from you. Never let him win a showdown or take charge. If you give an inch they will take a mile.

Praising and loving a dog spontaneously out of the blue confuses the dog. It also elevates the dog’s social status and can lead to dominance aggression. It is much better to have him shake hands, sit or fetch and then give him all the praise you want.

Neutering a dog in adolescence also decreases the likelihood that dominance aggression will be a problem.

You can try to alter triggers in your home that lead to outbursts of dominance aggression. For instance, if a dog growls when you approach it on the sofa make the sofa off limits to the dog.

Rather than limit the amount of contact that the family member(s) who are having the biggest problem with the dog have, make that person(s) the primary care giver for the dog. During this period have other family members ignore the dog. Dogs do not dominate people on whom they must rely.

Always reward these pets when they show signs of submission. These signs include laying their ears back on their heads, licking their lips, rolling over, sitting, avoiding eye contact and curling in their tails. Once a dog is displaying some of these activities begin slowly counter conditioning the dog to submission. This is done by getting the dog to allow you to handle its paws, hold it in a sitting or laying position and holding its head still. Make the dog lay down before it is allowed to fetch. Praise him and give him a food treat when he cooperates and gradually increase the length of his lessons.

Dogs that are severely dominant aggressive often stubbornly resist change to their status in the family. There are professional dog trainers who will attempt to modify your behavior toward the dog and the dog’s behavior toward you. But they are not always successful or they may only be moderately successful. Rather than martyr you and your family to a long term, unhappy situation I suggest that families in this situation find another home for their pet. It is amazing how much better a dog’s behavior can be in a new home.

Fear Biting Dogs

The Problem:

These dogs are very uncertain and tentative in their actions. They are sometimes called defensive - aggressive dogs. When faced with new situations with people or dogs they avoid direct eye contact and assume a low submissive stance. They stand with their ears flat against their heads and their tails tucked between their legs. They bend their head and neck toward any individual that seeks their attention while they lick their lips. They will often roll on their backs exposing their belly. Their expression is one of profound worry. They are very fearful about being touched and shy away from being petted stroked or brushed. At any instant they may snap and bite in fear. They strike out silently like a snake, never locking their jaws on another person or pet. They will often urinate and defecate in fear.

The Solution:

Most fear biting dogs were genetically born shy. It is highly unusual for a shy puppy to be born from gregarious, confident parents. One needs to do everything possible to build up these dog’s sense of confidence. Do this with verbal praise, petting and treats. Enlist your friends in this activity. In order not to get bitten, begin this process with a muzzled dog. Just remove the muzzle for the dog to eat. Only feed the dog from your hands. You can crate the dog and let the neighbors feed it when it gets very hungry. If a shy dog comes to you of its own free will it will not bit unless a sudden movement or loud sound is made. Sometimes the pets are so shy that the food treat needs to be put on a long stick at first. With the dog muzzled take him wherever you go to expose him to new people and situations. Begin slowly – no more than the mall parking lot. Try to calm and stroke the dog as you go. Take dog wherever you go. Keep the leash short and taunt. Calm and stroke the pet. Obedience training is very helpful for dogs that are not too shy to go to class.

I find that a small dose of Acepromazine tranquilizer is extremely helpful in starting these dogs in their education. Valium seems to have little effect on dogs. I give acepromazine at 0.38mg/pound. You can pick it up at your veterinarians and give it in a food treat thirty minutes before lessons. 

Territorially Aggressive Dogs

The Problem:

Fiercely guarding their home is common characteristic of dogs. Dogs have an innate need dominate their own real estate. As puppies grow to dogs they begin to regard the yard, the home and their car as their personal property. I live on Sarasota bay on the Gulf of Mexico and here dogs guard their sailboat homes and the dock from strangers just as fiercely. Territorial aggression is what gets the mailman and the meter reader bitten.

Territorial aggression is a prized attribute in guard dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Akitas. If you do not want an aggressive guard dog do not purchase these type of breeds. Some dogs readily learn to differentiate between welcome guests and intruders but others do not. They are very good at sensing your attitude toward strangers. If you are fearful, these dogs know it and will become protective.

The Solution:

To control a territorial dog you must first dominate the dog as the leader of the pack. In wolf packs an alpha-type individual leads the pack. In domestication you need to be that alpha individual. Becoming the pack leader is the first step in making the dog obedient to you. You set the rules and you decide who is friend and who is foe. The dog should look at you for advice when a stranger approaches. Enlist some friends to help you by approaching the house when the dog is hungry and cautiously feeding it some treats. Let your friends or willing strangers take the dog on short walks on a leash. Fence your yard so the limits of its territory is clear to the dog.

Predatory Aggression:

The Problem:

Australian shepherds, healers, border collies and other herding dogs have an instinctive drive to chase, worry and nip. It takes a supreme effort on their part not to apply their herding talents to children of the family as well.

The Solution:

Obedience training by every member of the family – especially the children helps correct this problem. These dogs are basically loving. They just have a very strong natural urge to boss and herd. This can be overcome if you make the dog aware that it is a problem. A sharp reprimand and a “no” is usually sufficient. You have to occasionally remind them of the rules. Dogs will usually not express this behavior when they are on a short leash.

New Developments:

A recent issue of Veterinary Practice News mentions studies on aggression in dogs that responded to suplementation with 5-hydroxytriptophan or 5-HTP as well as to 5-HTP given in conjuction with a low protein diet. . This ammino acid derivative of tryptophan is important in the production of seritonin in the brain. Brain seritonin levels have been linked to mood, agression and obsessive-compulsive behavior, in humans, dogs and primates. Neutraceutical grade 5-HTP is available online. A dose was not given.

20 Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn't Listen.

It's time to put an end to all the guesswork as to why your dog plays dumb, deaf, or you swear you’ve become invisible, especially when it comes to _________________ (fill in the blank).

I bet you had no idea that there are twenty factors. This section is my favorite and the longest chapter of my book. It can easily be a mini book of its own. Some call it the crown jewels of the book. Let's see if you agree!

Reason #1:Your Dog is Testing You or Doesn’t Feel Like Listening

Maybe you've been the provider, the spoiler, the mommy, the daddy, the buddy, the observer, or just the nagger, but definitely NOT the leader.

If we could read the doggie’s thoughts in a bubble above his head, it would read, “Oh come on. Who gave you the idea that I should listen to YOU now? Sit down, shut up and give me some treats or else I’ll pee andpoo on your bed tonight. Take that, you dog trainer wannabe!” 

Even if you are somewhat in charge, your dog rarely responds to you when it TRULY counts. This means he is testing you or even worse, playing dumb at that moment and at that location. 

Reason #2: You've Been Brainwashed into Using Treats for Everything

“As long as you keep those treats coming, I’ll do whatever you ask” is what crosses your dog’s mind as you keep shoving goodies down his throat and call it training.

Be honest. Do you have your voice and praise with you at all times or a bag of beef jerky? Even those trainers who advocate bribery can't do much without their pouch of hot dogs. If you don't believe me, challenge them on it and wait for that "deer in the headlights" look.

This debate has already been discussed in great detail in chapter four (Biggest Scam in Modern Dog Training). If you haven’t read it, please do so. It is the most controversial chapter of my book for a reason. Otherwise, it's like watching a movie halfway through. You can’t always guess what happened earlier.

Reason #3: You Are Mixing Commands and Not Being Consistent

You or another member of your family isn’t consistent or crystal clear with your commands. For example, one day, to stop your dog's constant barking, you yell out his name hoping that will do the trick. And the next, you change it to: “Hey,” “Shush,” or “Knock it off.” And when you finally lose it, you grab a shoe and start chasing after your dog, screaming, "Shut the %amp;# up!"

If the poor dog could talk, he'd say, “So which is it? Sounds like you guys don't even know what you want! How should I?”

One of the key elements in achieving solid results is being clear and consistent with your dog. Most owners and even some trainers practice every day and still end up with a very weak or sloppy-trained dog. Again, this could very well be due to poor communication and inconsistency in your training method.

Reason #4: You Thought All Along that it Must Be Your "Voice"

Sorry, but there is no need to sound like your husband, boyfriend, son, or your father-in-law in order for your dog to take you seriously. In case you didn't know, over ninety percent of dog trainers in America, and probably around the world, are actually women! I find it funny when some of you sound like Mickey Mouse when you are supposed to get firm with your dog, and growl like The Hulk when you need to come across as friendly or non-threatening.

Many of you make the mistake of dragging out the command, like: “Siiiiiiiiiit,” “Leave iiiiiiiiiiit,” or “Dowwwwn.” But, by doing so, you actually sound as if you are asking or singing to your dog.

Here's the Secret: There should be no melody in your voice while giving a command. So if it sounds like a request, a nag, or a drill sergeant, you've been misled. I always tell my clients, “Don’t nag it, don't drag it, and certainly don't shout it.” 

Even some trainers make the mistake of raising their voice while giving commands. Don't forget the undeniable fact that dogs can hear three to four times better than us. So why bother yelling at any living thing that can hear better than both of us combined? Unless it is a real emergency, save those lungs when you REALLY need to shout in order to get your dog's attention.

It makes me laugh every time I see a guy yell out a command and the walls in the room start to shake. All because the dog refused to sit, stay or lie down. Take it easy. Nobody's getting killed, for crying out loud. Trust me; you'll impress people far more when they see your dog responding to your instructions in anormal tone of voice. Let's face it; any moron can scream!

Reason #5:Your Dog is Spoiled. These Dogs Always Challenge Authority

You've probably already read this on my (Spoiled Dog Test,) and it can't hurt to bring it up again: Spoiled pooches, just like spoiled kids, rarely listen to you or anyone else. These dogs have you wrapped around their paw and they know it. All it takes is a temper-tantrum of barking, whining, scratching, jumping or bouncing back and forth; and you become hypnotized, find yourself giving in to your dog. 

Perhaps the reason you let your dog run the show is because he happens to be too old, too young, too small, too handicapped or just too darned cute. Or maybe your dog has had a rough past so now you've given him a free pass to be a jerk or do as he pleases. 

Some of you let your dog get away with murder because he's missing a leg, an eye, or even worse, has a few months to live. The truth is you can still modify ALL of your dog's bad habits to meet your expectations. Cesar Millan said it best: “Dogs don’t live in the past, but live in the moment.” Ironically, they are known to adapt to any circumstance and lifestyle.

Be honest. Your dog knows exactly what works on you and what doesn’t. So if you constantly baby her, you’d better be prepared for her to one day totally ignore you, or worse, embarrass you in front of your guests or out in public. From experience, your dog knows that you rarely follow through on what you say. 

Sometimes it's the spoiler who comes to the rescue. And I'm betting that person is most likely going to be your spouse, one of the kids, a relative, or the grandparents. These dogs pee and poo everywhere, beg for food, whine, and of course, use their annoying bark to get your attention. Some go from snapping and lunging, to full-on biting to make their point. (You guessed it; they are a lot like spoiled kids. Hopefully your kids don’t bite!)

Regardless of your method or philosophy, I think every expert out there would agree that the more you spoil your dog, the more he will ignore, challenge, attack people, other dogs, or some day, may eventually turn on YOU!

Reason #6: Your Training Technique Lacks "Diversity"!

We’ve all heard the saying, "Practice makes perfect." But if I get a bit technical here, it is actually correctpractice that will get you eye-catching results. In fact, when you carefully study topnotch trainers, you’ll find that they don’t always care about how often they work with their dogs. To them, how you train is far more important!

Think of dancing for a minute. Anybody can hit the dance floor and shake their booty and call it dancing. You see the same boring moves over and over again. There is no skill, no technique, no swag, no originality, and yet this person breaks a sweat honestly believing that they're one of the best dancers in town.

Whether it is dancing or dog training, your technique, your timing, your posture, your attitude and yourwillingness to take constructive criticism, will ultimately determine your raw success!

Now, don’t contact me for dancing lessons. I love to watch others dance, but I don’t dance, run or jog. Besides, I’ve watched enough Law & Order and know too well that joggers are the ones who always find dead bodies or become the victims of an assault. That’s why I’m sitting safe and sound leaving my butt print on my couch, watching "So You Think You Can Dance". And if you ever catch me running, it means the dog is chasing the Dog Prodigy! 

Reason #7: Your Dog isn't Off-Leash Trained to Listen From a Distance 

Don't you have a doubt or that nagging fear of how your dog may act once he gets loose? After all, no matter how careful you are, someday, somehow, your dog will run wild and play the “catch me if you can" game.

What's sad is even if you are the careful or the responsible one in your family, you can't always depend on your spouse, the kids, your roommate, or your gardener to close the gate behind him. This is why being able to get your dog to listen from a distance is a MUST!

It's even worse if you are one of those careless owners who prefer to walk your untrained dog with no leash. Ask yourself: Are you confident enough in his command response when he's not within your reach? How about when out of the blue another dog comes face-to-face with yours?

What if a kid wants to pet your dog, and he jumps up on him to show his affection or to take a chunk out of him? Don't forget the neighborhood cats, the squirrels, or if you live in the country, the chickens, horses, skunks, bears or even sheep and deer. And I'm sure there are some of you who put up with lots of coyotes and mountain lions.

Sadly, the majority of dog owners are completely helpless in these situations. Be my guest! Yell out, “NO,” “HEY,” or “Get over here,” all you want, but you can almost hear your dog laughing, “Yeah right. You honestly expect me to listen to you when I’m not even attached to anything? Suuuuuuuure. I don’t obey much when I'm across the room or across the yard. So why should I mind you when I'm totally free? Keep dreaming... human!”

This is what you get when you feel sorry for your dog and let him have some fun by running free to get a little exercise.

Your ultimate goal should be for your dog to respond from a distance, in any room, any yard, any park, or any beach, just with voice control.

Keep in mind; a truly off-leash trained dog means a dog that obeys from a distance and around hard-to-avoiddistractions. In simple terms, off-leash means complete verbal control of your dog under ANY circumstances. I'm not just referring to obedience commands like Sit, Stay, Down, Heel or Come. This also applies when you reprimand your dog from a distance with, "NO," "Leave it," "Off," "Calm Down," "Shush," "Be Nice," or any other command of your choice.

When you really think about it, even in your home or your backyard, 99.9% of the time your dog is withouta leash and not within your reach. You need to be prepared for that "what-if" moment! I am known to challenge pet owners and even trainers with my "what-if" questions. In fact—

..................................................................................................

The more you think and prepare for every possible "what-if" scenario, the 

more you are preparing your dog and yourself for the real-world.

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If a trainer cannot prepare you for those "what if" moments, find a different one. As this clearly indicates their training only works around little or no distractions. I’ve seen trainers’ dogs act unruly and embarrass their handlers when they got loose around tempting distractions.

Dog schools that advertise advanced off-leash response and those who actually can back up their claim with their own dogs—or even better, with their clients’ dogs—are very hard to come by. After all, they should practice what they preach. Talk is cheap.

I’ve witnessed a few dogs attacking people or other dogs that belonged to these so-called trainers. Yes, you read that correctly! The trainer's dog needed more help! So you can imagine what kind of “expert” these folks were dealing with. (It reminds me of a mechanic who push-starts his own car to work every day.)

Reason #8:You Haven't Mastered the Art of Distraction-Proofing

We all know that life is full of distractions, yet many of you have little or no control over your dog when he is faced with your visitors, other dogs, or the mailman.

It's all about that progression. You see, in order to distraction-proof a dog properly, you need to start in your backyard. Within a few training sessions, move to your front yard. Once you are able to get your dog's attention in one area, see how well he obeys in an entirely new location.

After mastering those locations, move on to more challenging zones. As I mentioned in chapter one: You need to make your pooch street-smart. There are many circumstances out there that throw off even the mostseasoned pet owners. This is why it’s best to be prepared for ANY possible scenario!

For example, your dog should never break the stay command. I don’t care if dinosaurs come back to life and start walking the streets, stay means stay. No matter what, your dog should NOT move from that spot.

Prior to hiring me, many of my clients could not make their dogs stay for more than a few seconds. And the dogs that were able to do it for a minute or so, wouldn't even do that around dogs or when company was present.

Again, the main reason these dogs did not hold a solid stay was simple: All of them were taught to stay just because they were going to get a treat. My radar always went up every time I caught them licking their lips. The owners kept repeating, stay, stay, stay... gooood stayyyyyy...while the dog was drooling and staring at the treat five feet away from him. (WOW! Now that's what you call the highest level of difficulty!)

Don't you ever forget practicality in your training! You want to be so prepared that virtually nothing can catch you two off guard. We all know that relying on treats isn't a part of real life. Even show confirmation, agility training, or flyball aren't considered a part of our day-to-day routine.

Besides, how many of you really care about showing your dog? Yeah. Good luck competing at the next Westminster Dog Show with your fixed, mixed, or shelter dog. I know some of you might own a champion pedigree with real show potential, but from experience, I’ve noticed that the majority of people get their dogs spayed and neutered as soon as possible.

Are You on the Same or the "Sane Page" with Your Trainer?

In my years of dealing with thousands of dog owners from all walks of life, I discovered that people actually prefer a polite pet far more than a super-trained dog. And it makes perfect sense. Think about it: The majority of you could care less if your dog wins you bunch of titles, ribbons and trophies. (Maybe you'd enroll your pooch in “The Cutest Dog Contest,” but that’s about it.)

Don’t get me wrong; I have a tremendous respect for those who compete in obedience trials. Just like the Olympics, this is where you expect to see perfection! But let's face it; not everyone is or can be a perfectionist. How about you? Would you rather have a dog that has manners or a dog that obeys like a soldier? And if you pay close attention to obedience competitions, you’ll notice that all of those dogs are performing a routine, a task, or another well-rehearsed drill. What you don't know is even most of thoseexercises can't always be put to use out in the real world. (Like doing bunch of black-flips: Impressive to watch and fun to do; especially if you can DO them—but just not practical.)

Now, be honest. Do you really care if your dog can jump over obstacles, sniff out a dumbbell, and drop it by your feet? I seriously doubt it. How about a marvelous heel right next to you? Just being able to walk the dog on a loose leash is enough for most people to throw a party. And I'm also certain that not all of you are crazy about teaching your dog to come to you with his nose perfectly aligned to your crotch. (Only a few of you caught what I just described there. Folks, I just went over a number of exercises in obedience trials.)

Bottom line, if you can get your dog to come to you every time, that is a wonderful thing! I think I’ve made my point. The Canine Good Citizen Test is what I actually recommend. Since this test really prepares you and your dog for practical things. There are no dumbbells, no hoops to jump through, and no need to have your dog constantly looking at you or your cool hand signals. But even this test will challenge your trainingfoundation to its core.

Here's why: If you are struggling to get your dog's attention around minor distractions in your home, why make a fool of yourself in front of ten new dogs and strangers? It has been proven that dogs and people learn much quicker in a one-on-one setting rather than in groups.

In conclusion, you should always look for ways to get your dog to listen to you in real-world. And it can easily be accomplished without yelling, hitting or relying on that bribery nonsense.

This is where many desperately seek my help. They say, “Kevin, everything stops working when my dog _______ (fill in your reason). In most of these cases, I found that the owners didn't have the slightest idea how to desensitize their dog.

Let me clarify: Why should you even bother asking your dog to stay for you in front of another dog, in front of your cat, or frequent visitors, when you can’t even get her to stay in one spot in your yard, living room or in your kitchen for at least ten to fifteen minutes? Can you honestly get your dog to stay put ten feet away from you with your front door/gate wide open? How about risking it without the leash?

!!! Here's How Pros Distraction-Proof Their Dogs !!!

Top trainers are really into desensitization. Their goal is to get their dogs used to all kinds of diversions. Here’s a glimpse of their routine: They get their dogs accustomed to loud noises, kids playing and dogs that act differently. They practice around cats, squirrels, moving cars, garbage trucks, the vacuum cleaner and even the lawnmower.

From working around kids on skateboards and scooters, to soccer moms pushing strollers, they do it all. They condition their dogs to behave in front of the mail carrier, men in uniform, people in wheelchairs, and anyone wearing shades or baseball caps. And of course, they also get their dogs used to people of a different ethnicity and gender. Otherwise, any of these could set ANY dog off and cause him to bark, growl, lunge, or get very scared. My point is it should not even matter where you are, or even if you happen to run into someone who looks or acts differently! You and your pooch must remain cool, calm and collected.

What NOT to do with your dog

Ever since I came to really understand natural dog behavior I could not help but take notice of the way people interact with the dogs around them. More often than not, the communication between the canine animal and the human is not in sync. Knowing people do not want to hear random dog advice from a stranger I started wishing I was not seeing the interaction because it is hard to watch and not help out. I decided to write down what I see in hopes of helping others out there understand how to communicate with their canines. This list will be added to on a regular basis.

1. Dog runs in road. Owner comes out of house, stops at doorstep and starts screaming at the dog, very emotional. Dog ignores human. Dogs do not listen to unstable beings. When one dog wishes to tell something to another dog, it does not scream and yell.

2. Dog barks at human to beg for the food the human is eating, human absentmindedly hands the dog a piece. This is not respectful in the canine world. A lower member of the pack would never dream of barking at a pack leader while eating.

3. Dog sees another dog and starts to bark. Human tells dog, "No" and proceeds to pet their dog on the head, giving affection. This is really like saying, "Good dog for barking." Some mixed signals going on there.

4. Dog is on a leash and pulls the leash tight to sniff where it pleases as the owner talks to another human. This is bad leash manners. Asking the dog to wait patiently would provide the dog with a mental challenge, which all dogs need.

5. Owner corrects the dog by yelling the dog’s name over and over again, but never actually addresses the dog with any type of body language. The dog does not know what it is the owner wants. There is no follow-through. Human proceeds to have a conversation in human words with the dog, stating they are going to put the dog in the truck. This human needs to speak "Dog," not "Human." On top of that, one should only use a dog’s name for positive things so the dog associates his name with something good.

6. Owner allows their small dog to greet a human by putting his paws on a person's leg. In the dog world this is not a respectful way to greet another being. There is no difference between that 5-pound Yorkie and that 90-pound German Shepherd in regards to the meaning behind the behavior. 

7. Owner corrects a dog long after the deed was done and the dog has moved onto other thoughts. Whatever the dog is doing at the moment you make the correction is what the dog will think you are upset about.

8. Dogs only being corrected 'some' of the time. Bark bark... Allowed... Bark bark. Dog’s name yelled. Bark bark. But no real correction, no body language used. No follow-through, no real communication, no consistency. When you are not consistent your dog will not listen to you as she will know that 'sometimes' she is allowed. Also, the dog’s name should not be used in the correction.

9. Dog is walking slightly in front of the person holding the leash. Then the human expects the dog to ignore other dogs when LETTING the dog lead. Mixed signals—you are my leader, but listen to what I say. Do you know how confusing that is for a dog?

10. Humans approaching a gate, or doorway, and let the dog nose its way first. The leash being loose does not make it OK. Dog should be sent back a step and be watching for the human’s cue for the dog’s turn—no pushing.

11. Humans attempting to go first through an entranceway, telling the dog to wait but never following through. Dog paused, but still had her snoot in the doorway and was tense in posture, showing she did not give in to the idea. Dog should have stepped back and relaxed before the human allowed the dog to pass.

12. Owner picks up small dog. Dog wiggles and/or whines to get down and the owner obeys, reinforcing the dog’s power over the human.

13. Dog barks at another dog. Human corrects dog by saying "No." Dog turns head to avoid eye contact with the human. Human turns the dog’s head back to get the dog to look at them, thinking the dog should look at them when being reprimanded. When actually the dog turning away was the dog communicating to the human that the dog did not wish to challenge them. In the human world making eye contact when being spoken to is respect, however in the dog world staring straight into one’s eyes can be taken as a challenge.

14. Tiny dog is being carried by owner and barks and growls at another person. Owner laughs, grabs dog’s snoot, says "stop" in a neutral tone. The laugh by the owner and the tone were praise in the dog's eyes. Dog barks and growls even more. Owner repeats the "correction," laughs and states to stranger that the dog has “little dog syndrome.” Later dog is seen pulling on the leash. All humans, including the stranger, laugh thinking the aggression coming from such a small dog is funny. Owner states to stranger that the dog is "All talk and would never bite." That is a biter in the works.

15. Owner is sitting with tiny dog on lap. Tiny dog barks at someone passing by. Owner pulls the dog close to her body trying to get it to be quiet. Owner just gave the dog affection for barking.

16. Another dog walks by a small dog that is on its owner’s lap. Owner covers the small dog's eyes to try and stop the small dog from barking. The small dog’s excitement escalates as dogs do not need their eyes to know another dog is near. They can feel it, smell it and hear it.

17. Small dog is on owner's lap and barks as some kids run by. Human hugs dog to their body while smacking its snoot. Affection and smacks?

18. Little dog is in a heightened, excited, dominant state as it barks at people and other dogs passing by while sitting on owner’s lap. Owner gives dog hugs, kisses and scratches behind the ear while telling little lap dog in human words to "be good, do you hear me?"Human words 'be good' mean nothing to the dog. The affection tells the dog you agree with how it is feeling at that moment. Good dog for being excited and dominant.

19. Owner holds barking dog back by the chest, creating even more tension.

20. Dog barks. Owner grabs dog’s snoot to hold its mouth shut. This only creates more tension.

21. Dog wanders too far out of the yard. Owner calls dog back. Dog lowers its head and walks back to owner. When dog gets to owner, owner smacks dog and says, "You are not allowed over there!" Owner just told dog it was bad for coming back.

22. Owner walks puppy down the street. Another dog comes running over. Puppy jumps up and places his front paws on approaching dog and growls. Owner gets the puppy down, pats the puppy on the side and soothes him, "It's ok, it's ok." Owner just told puppy that acting in a dominant manner is good. Puppy will most likely grow up to be dog aggressive.

23. People trying to win over an aggressive dog's affection with words of praise and affection. When one sweet-talks a dog that is in a defensive or aggressive mood it is like saying, “Good dog, I agree with how you are feeling.” Food should only be tossed to a dog for rewarding good behavior, not during the bad behavior. Remember, however the dog is feeling or acting at the time of the reward is what you are telling the dog you agree with.

24. Owners going for a family walk with the kids and allowing the dog to walk in front of the stroller or a walking child. This is communicating to the dog that the dog is above the human children in the pack order.

25. Example of dog being misunderstood: Dog has an injury and is supposed to take it easy for a while. Company comes over and dog starts to get a little too excited. Dog is asked to go into a crate to prevent further injury. Guest asks if dog feels he is being punished. No, no one yelled. Time-outs for dogs do not work as punishment. Dog did not feel sorry for himself and did not feel punished. He was simply in a crate. However if the human feels sorry for the dog inside the crate, the dog will view that human as weak-minded and/or may associate the crate with something negative.

26. Example of dog being misunderstood: Dog has an injury. Guest sees second dog lay down next to the crate that the injured dog is in and comments that second dog looks worried about the injured dog. In reality, second dog was just tired and going to sleep. The human who thinks the dog is worried, feeling sorry for either dog, will be viewed as weak by both dogs.

27. At the vet in the waiting room watched a 12-week-old Great Dane puppy, cute as can be with huge paws and big floppy ears, jump on their owner while they were sitting on the bench and get petted for doing so. This dog as a puppy is not being asked to be respectful. When the dog gets older this owner will most likely struggle with "training" their dog. When in reality it will not be a training issue but a respect that was never established.

28. A lady was visiting her friend’s house. The friend has a German Shepherd dog that is about a year old. She says when she arrived, the GSD jumped on her. The owner told the dog to get down. Then the dog jumped on her from behind and once again the owner told the dog to get down. A few minutes later the dog jumped on her a third time and bit her arm. The owner called a well-known dog training school to ask for advice. The trainer told her to lock the dog in a crate for the rest of the day so the dog can see that if she behaves like that she has to stay locked up. That was the sad advice given by this well-known company. Dogs live in the moment; this was not a planned attack on the dog’s part. The dog was no longer thinking about the lady she dominated and eventually bit. Locking a dog up for the day in a crate to sit and think about what she did earlier in the day and expect that to fix the dog's behavior is so far off the mark in how dog’s really think it's astonishing. These types of trainers may be good at teaching a dog to sit and do tricks, but they will never fix behavior issues with that lack of understanding of the dog’s true nature. This owner needed to call a dog behaviorist, not a dog trainer.

29. While out on a walk I often see owners attempt to teach their dog not to react to my dogs by completely stopping and trapping their dogs in a corner. Some owners continuously put food in front of their dogs telling them to stay, others use corrections to tell their dogs to stay. What these owners are doing is teaching their dogs that passing another dog is a big event. What you should be doing is teaching your dog that passing another dog is no big deal and to keep on walking. Whether you like to use food as a distraction or if you simply wish to tell the dog to walk because that is part of life, be sure to keep moving. Stopping and making a big deal out of the other dog creates anticipation. It is teaching the dog that other dogs are indeed something to be concerned about. When you continue to walk you help the dog's mind move onto other things.

30. When you arrive home after being gone do not perform a "happy dance" with your dog. A dog does not see the ritual the same as the human sees it. To the human it is a "happy dance". To the dog it is an excited behavior where the dog watches one of their followers reenforce why they need to be the leader. The dog jumps all over their follower who is giving off weak energy. The human is bowing down to the dog and praises the dog for being dominant. The dance is for the human. Something the human likes. It is not something a dog needs or craves.

How to Train Your Dog to Listen to You

Why does your dog not listen to you? The simple answer is: Because he thinks he doesn't have to. Did you inadvertently train your dog to ignore your commands and not listen to you?

How can you turn this around and train your dog to listen to you? Leadership is the key. Your dog must believe that you are the leader and the dominant one in your relationship. This concept is much easier to teach when the dog is still a puppy, but you can train your dog regardless of age.

First of all, dogs believe that they live in a pack. To the dog this means that no members of the pack are equal. There is a leader who is the dominant member, and then a "chain of command," going from the next most dominant member all the way down to the least dominant member. If the leadership role is not taken by a human member of the pack, the dog will take the leadership role.

Here are some ways to become the leader in the dog's eyes:

When taking your dog for a walk, never let your dog pull the leash and walk in front of you leading the way. Also when you and your dog approach a doorway, you should go through the doorway first before your dog. In your dog's mind, the leader or dominant one is the one who leads the way.

Playing tug of war with a tug toy can be a fun game. But when the game is over, you must be the winner. Do not just drop the toy and walk away. Your dog will think that he has won because he is the leader. Instead, train your dog to drop the tug toy into your hand, signifying that you, as the leader, have won the game.

When reuniting with your dog, do so in a calm, controlling manner, reinforcing your leadership role. Do not allow your dog to jump up on you. Bend down to your dog's level to quietly greet your dog.

Only allow your dog on your bed or other furniture when he is invited to do so by you. For example, at bedtime you should get into bed first and get comfortable. Then allow your dog to jump up on the bed. In this way, you as the leader have taken the choice area of the bed and have decided to allow your dog join you.

Train your dog to obey obedience commands. This is very important. When giving your dog a command, say the command only once. For example, say "Sit". Do not say "Sit, Sit, Sit, I said Sit, You Better Sit" etc, over and over again. You want your dog to comply on the first command. If your dog does not, you must enforce your command. In this case, gently push your dog into the sit position and praise your dog. (This is actually a very over-simplified explanation of obedience training. See my articles, "How To teach Your Dog To Come When Called" and "Training The Submissive Dog" and watch for my future articles on the subject of dog obedience training.)

Most importantly, have patience. If your dog has spent his entire life not listening to you, it may take some time to train your dog and make him believe that you are the leader. But it will be worth the time it takes. Dogs are generally happier when they have a strong benevolent leader and you, as the dog's owner, will be happier too.

When your dog does not listen – Is he ignoring you or not paying attention

Sam is a cute, charming Boxer. About four years old he got away with a lot. At home he had everyone wrapped around his “paw”. While everyone else was having fun with him, Pat was the one walking him everyday and trying to train him with basic obedience. Walking Sam was a trick and half. he was always pulling on the leash and dragging her from one place to another. She could not take him to the dog park anymore because he go into the habit of bullying other dogs. He would only come back when he was ready. Pat had enough and was ready to give up. I met her on one of my walks.

Watching the two interacting it was clear that Sam had no respect for her. He was ignoring her commands and comply only when he felt like it.

There was no chemistry, no relationship or connection between the two of them.

Sam always had his way and Pat was running out of patience and ready to give up.

Echo on the other end was a lovely three years old Border Colley mix. He knew all the basics and would listen very well except .. when something else got his attention: like a good smell, other dogs or playing ball. All of his manners where gone. Brent his owner could call him and tried to get his attention, he would not listen. Echo was simply not paying attention to Brent when something else was more interesting.

The two behaviors are similar but different in the sens that Echo and Brent are connected while Sam and Pat live in two different worlds.

WHY WON'T MY DOG LISTEN TO ME?

STEP ONE: ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION

Talk to your dog. Do you know how much he/she understands? When your dog first comes home with you it is as if he/she has been sent to a foreign country. Dogs know no English, French, Spanish, etc. They must be shown what each word/phrase means - EVEN THEIR OWN NAME! Dogs DO understand "dogspeak" - the tones and body language of canines. The easiest way to get a concept across to anyone (including a dog) is to speak to them in their own language. Since we are unable to bark, etc., the best we can do is use our tone of voice to communicate our desires to our dogs early in our new relationship. With proper training techniques, dogs CAN and DO learn not only English, but whatever languages their owners use.

Start with your tone of voice. Women have the easiest time with what I call the "Good Dog" tone of voice - the one that is most often high pitched, soft, sweet, and generally in a falsetto. Men have the easiest time with the "Bad Dog" tone - the one that is deep (but doesn't have to be!), stern, and sometimes gravelly. Men also have the easiest time with the "Command" tone - the one that is neither good nor bad, but has a firm (usually lower) tone. Try telling your dog that he/she is bad using the "Good Dog" tone; then try praising your dog using the "Bad Dog" tone. Watch your dog's reaction to each. Even if they understand some of the words, they generally react to the tone first.

Many people have a difficult time getting their dogs to obey their "Command" tone of voice. Often it is because they "tell" their dogs in the form of a question: "staaaaaayyyyy?" - with a voice raising at the end of the command. Remember, commands must be firm, short, and to the point, with the tone going down at the end, never letting the word drag on.

STEP TWO: BASIC TRAINING

To start to teach your dog your language, you need to combine the words with an action that shows the dog what you want, and some reinforcement - either positive or negative. Say your dog's name. Does the dog respond (look at you, wag his tail, move toward you)? Your dog should ALWAYS have a pleasant experience when s/he hears his name - NEVER unpleasant. Some people create a new "Bad Dog" name to use for those bad dog times. To teach the dog his name, position your dog close enough to touch, preferably on a leash so s/he doesn't move away. Say the name cheerfully and give his ear a tug, or his leash a tug toward you, or move his muzzle in your direction. When the dog looks in your direction, immediately use your "Good Dog" voice and praise and stroke your dog on the head or chest. Practice this until looking at you happens without the tug and continue to practice for the dog's entire life! It reinforces the communication link between the owner and dog.

Teach other words the same way. Simple one word commands work best. Say the dog's name (to get his attention - remember that communication link!), follow with a command, and then SHOW him what you want. PRAISE IMMEDIATELY when the action is completed - even if you MADE him do it! Eventually you dog will learn to respond to the command without needing to be shown - but you should never forget to praise!

STEP THREE: GETTING YOUR POINT ACROSS

Sometimes words are not enough when communicating with a dog. Since dogs must learn what each word means, all the other "extra" words are just a bunch of "Blah, Blah" to them! Consider the Gary Larson cartoon that shows an owner scolding his dog, Ginger, then shows what the dog hears "Ginger, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah...".

I have learned that a sort of modified canine language can get a dog's attention faster than human words. Those of you who have been dog owners probably have already learned just how insignificant the word "NO" is to a puppy. This is especially true if it is said frequently (kinda like kids, in that respect...). the word "no" to a dog is a nice soft word, with no sharp sound to it. Therefore there is nothing in the word to catch a dog's attention, or to stop them from continuing the action you wish to halt. I find a gravelly, growly "EGH!" (hard to spell a sound but it's like you are vocalizing while pushing air out of your lungs) can be used to halt activity. Or try "Angh, Angh!" - our sound for no, without saying the word - only say it with a growl, and sharply. That is also a good sound to use! If you are having problems with your dog mouthing you, try a very shrill and loud "OW!!", which ususally stops them in mid-chew! Their littermates and other dogs use sounds like that to set limits on mouthing behavior.

"Praise Sounds" are harder to create. My dog knows she has done really well when I say one of several words I reserve ONLY for really good work: EXCELLENT! or ALRIGHT!, or PERFECT! I say them very cheerfully, but not with the falsetto "Good Dog" voice. I will often follow any of these words with a beloved scratch on the chest, or an extra-special tidbit (small and chewy, not crunchy) that I use only for extra-special rewards.

Ten Peeves that Dogs hate about Humans

Ten Peeves that Dogs hate about Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me… not funny… not funny at all!!!

2. Yelling at me for barking. I’M A FRIGGIN’ DOG, YOU IDIOT!

3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose…stop it!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you’re not home.

6. The slight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooo. What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

7. Taking me to the vet for “the big snip”, then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven’t quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

9. Dog sweaters. Hello???? Haven’t you noticed the fur?

10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you’re just jealous.

Now lay off me on some of these things. We both know who’s the boss here! You don’t see me picking up your poop, do you?

Why I hate dogs but despise their owners even more

Enjoying a walk through the park with my husband and children the other week, it felt good to be out with my family in the fresh air. That was until an unleashed dog decided to bound over and gatecrash the outing.

Such was this hairy beast's enthusiasm to join our party, he hurtled at my four children like a bowling ball into a line of skittles, and in the process nearly knocked my three-yearold off her feet.

The hound clearly couldn't understand the fuss as I scooped up my trembling daughter and tried to soothe her tears. But worse still, neither could its owner.

Indeed instead of inquiring if any harm had been done, she threw her mongrel a smile of absolution and excused the excitable hound's behaviour as youthful exuberance.

Anti-social: Dogs are noisy, aggressive, unhygienic and inconsiderate ... but they're not nearly as bad as their owners

With breathtaking indifference to my traumatised child, she assured us that her thumping great pet "didn't mean any harm". And with that, she clicked her mouth, swung the animal's redundant lead round her shoulder and walked off.

Incidents such as this do more than confirm my dislike of dogs. They inflame my loathing for their owners.

This dreadful strain of humanity is a breed apart. Marked by a delusional acceptance of anything their pets do, dog owners have transformed turning a blind eye into an Olympic sport.

Worse still, their intolerable, sanctimonious conduct means that the rest of us pay the price for their relentless indulgence.

But before all those pet-loving detractors start clamouring that I'm over-reacting, my experience last week was no one-off. I could list countless occasions when this kind of thing has happened.

Take the time I was sitting in a public square with my friend as she fed her baby a jar of food. A picky eater, we were delighted that the banana mush was being happily received. Until, that is, a dog hurtled over and gave the baby's lunch an expansive lick.

Its owner came over, humorously scolded the animal ("you naughty boy, you've had yours"), and offered a helpless shrug by way of explanation.

Catch me at a benign moment and I'll concede this is not really the fault of the dogs. I may dislike them because they are smelly, unhygienic, have the capacity to foul pavements indiscriminately and bark loudly when I'm trying to get to sleep.

But they're dumb animals, driven by instinct rather than reason, so I can't be too harsh. I'll even allow the view that they can make affectionate companions.

What I object to is the way this indulgent one-way relationship is foisted on the rest of us. You see, part of the problem with dog owners is that they behave even more badly than the most doting, showbiz mother.

Quick to exonerate their pet's misdemeanours with feeble explanations, they lavishly praise the unconditional love and loyalty of their four-legged friends.

Not so long ago, the Mail ran an account by a dog-owner, Elaine Everest, who planned to leave all her savings to her pets. Childless by design and not default, she apparently imagines dog-rearing to be so much more satisfying than motherhood, since she has witnessed "too many disappointed parents whose lives had been ruined by the selfishness of their offspring".

It's a jaundiced view of one of the greatest forms of love, yet sadly not unexpected since as a nation our reputation as dog-lovers is underpinned by our dismal and dysfunctional take on family life.

If you think that's harsh, check out the response one reader posted on the Daily Mail website after reading Elaine Everest's article: "I have both dogs and children, and if I had my time over I would not have the children. It's not that I don't love them - I would do anything for them. I just wouldn't have them if I knew then what I know now."

Man's best friend?: What to some is charming playfulness can to others be annoying over-exuberance

Of course, dogs are easier than children. They don't throw tantrums, nag you for money or slam doors. By comparison, chewing the carpet or barking at the postman seem much more agreeable. But aren't children just possibly worth the extra trouble?

But what is particularly deplorable about the dog-owning psyche is the way a negative reaction to their pets is regarded as the fault of the objector, not the animal.

During a recent dinner party, the hostess was baffled by my lack of enthusiasm for the fact that her dog was licking my ankles while I ate my hors d'oeuvre. Another time, I went to pick up a friend and had my white shirt accessorised by a Jack Russell who made a leap for me at the door. Its owner dismissed me as a sour party-pooper for not enjoying this display of affection.

Yet the dog-owner's glossary of self-serving excuses is boundless. Dogs are friendly/enthusiastic/playful - even when their jaws drip, their paws scratch and their tongues seek places you have no desire for them to go. The canine world is an anarchical place which the rest of us, it seems, should have to accept.

One friend tells me of the time she took her children to visit a dog-owning cousin. As her brood trooped off into the garden, the call was: "Mind the dog poo, we never got round to clearing it up."

Can you imagine leaving dirty nappies scattered across the lawn when expecting visitors?

I'm not suggesting all dog-owners are incapable of practising good hygiene. But I'm not prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt

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stylish so likely of dogs

Introducing the winter collection of colourful dog clothes

The Artsydog shops are gearing up for the fall/winter season with some fabulous new timely additions. One such shop is The Doggie Market, their new line of dog apparelintroduces some adorable dog sweaters, funky dog bandanas, warm quilted dog jackets and adorable dog dresses for those special holiday occasions.

All dog clothes are custom made in a variety of sizes,view the collection: