Fido, Don't Do That!

We have exciting news at This Lil Dog on Mines HQ! We recently introduced a new walk-and-train dog-walking membership. Dog training can be difficult, especially if you have a busy schedule. Now, we not only take your dog for walks to keep it stimulated but also incorporate obedience training during these walks.

As a dog owner, facing behavioral issues with your furry friend is common. It can be a frustrating phase but don't worry. These issues can be overcome. Here are five common behavioral issues that dog owners face and how to fix them:

1. **Aggression: ** Aggression in dogs can be directed towards other dogs, strangers, and sometimes even family members. This one, in particular, is important to address early. Start socializing your dog from a young age and use positive reinforcement training techniques to help reduce aggression. 

2. **Separation Anxiety: ** Many dogs feel anxious when left alone, and sometimes, they communicate that with destructive behavior. Let's face it—our fur babies love being around us! To alleviate this, start by gradually increasing the time your dog is left alone, providing them with engaging toys, and creating a safe space to retreat.

3. **Excessive Barking: ** Dogs bark as a form of communication, but excessive barking can be a nuisance. Training your dog to respond to commands to stop barking, providing regular exercise, and addressing the underlying cause of the barking can help reduce this behavior.

4. **Jumping Up:** Dogs often jump up on people as a greeting, but this can be unwanted behavior. To discourage jumping, ignore your dog when it jumps and reward it when it has all four paws on the ground.

5. **Leash Pulling:** Many dogs get overexcited and pull on the leash during walks. Using a front-clip harness, practicing loose leash walking, and rewarding good behavior can help curb leash pulling.

Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key when navigating dog training. Remember, every dog is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the right approach for that little dog of yours.