Inappropriate / Aggressive behaviour.

 Often, and in the majority of cases, problems can be solved by simple, loving, re-training. All training should be done with love and patience, but this is particularly true if you have these type of problems.

The dog should not be the dominant partner within your relationship, and good behaviour should be rewarded with lavish praise, cuddles, and (occasionally) tit-bits.

Problems such as jumping up at visitors may have their root in our own wish to be greeted boisterously on our return. Visitors do not always share this idea!

Here, perhaps we should begin by initially ignoring the dog on our own return, and delaying the “welcome” to the time we decide is right. We will thus retain control of the situation.

If there is a knock on the door, or the doorbell rings, try to get your dog to 'sit' or 'down'.  The  thing to do here is to train all the family in a united approach which may be to say “thank you” at the first bark and then command the dog to sit. In other words you are saying “Your job is done, now let me take over.” You should not let your dog become the dominant partner in your relationship.

If it is possible, keep the dog in a different room until the visitor is safely inside and sat down. Then, when you let the dog in the first moment of exitement has passed, and the visitor will be more relaxed. Remember, there are some strange people who don't like dogs!

There are, however, other problems, and other things which we can do to help. Problems such as aggression, urination, defecation etc can be caused by insecurity. If so, then this is relatively easy to remedy.

Aggression is distressing and can be dangerous. Until training is complete, outside the home always keep the dog on a lead. The ideal tool to help here is the anti-bark collar, which is painless but very effective. As soon as you see aggressive behaviour about to start, you can activate the collar to painlessly spray beneath the chin. Cause and effect is soon learned. Click HERE to view the collar. It is called anti-bark, but really it is just anti- innappropriate behaviour!

In the case of male dogs, urination may be to 'mark' new territory - no problem outside, but can be embarrassing in a hotel room or neighbour's lounge! If this is the case, be prepared and try to stop it before it happens.Again, the anti-bark collar is a wonderful training tool.

Other urination and defecation problems are often caused by insecurity.

Where this may be the case a folding dog crate - or cage offers security by representing a ‘den’, ‘bolt hole’, lair or burrow to your dog, giving it what it had in the wild - a safe place to relax.

You will find that frequent use of a covered kennel-crate will often eliminate distress related problems such as destructive behaviour and inappropriate urination or defecation. You can choose which crate is the best size for your breed by following the links on the crate page - and don't forget that all-important cover. Our covers have sides which allow plenty of air passage, but still give a secure, protected feeling.
If this introduction to dog cages can be done as a puppy, it is obviously better, and the use of a puppy play pen will be an added help in this.

There is much agreement between animal behaviourists that a dog crate, also known as a dog cage, is an invaluable aid to correcting and preventing unwanted behaviour.
Many of your questions regarding dog crates / cages may be answered by looking at our FAQS (frequently asked questions) page. Click here to view.