We often shift homes and cities, and not everywhere you will find people who will love your pooch the way you do. More than many times, we like our dogs to enjoy the yard, walk along the common gardens or simply have fun with the neighborhood dogs. However, can you tell your dog to be a good neighbor? Well, every dog has its own temperament, and the age also plays a crucial game. Here are some tips that may apply to your favorite doggie.
[Image – David Harber]
Get him trained: If you love your dog and want it to behave in certain, at least in front of people other than family, make sure that you invest in training him. A good dog always behaves well, and even when things take a sudden turn, it is much easier to get him back on track. It is not just about hiring a trainer, but is more about spending time with him on your own. Start at the earliest, better when he is a puppy.
[Image – Home & Garden Design, Atlanta – Danna Cain, ASLA]
Get him exercise: Even when the dog isn’t trained well, which holds true when you get a pet from the pound, make sure that he gets his exercise. While large dogs need more exercise, there is no denying that even the smallest ones need some walking. It will also help him get acquainted with the neighborhood dogs and people, who he may see more often. Not to forget, a tired dog doesn’t have energy to nip and snap at others.
[Image – Pat Bernard Design, Inc.]
Get him acquainted: Like we have said, you need to ensure that your dog knows the neighbors and their pooches, because unless they do, there will be constant barking and growling. Either by means of walks or through formal introductions, your dog needs to know the people around.
[Image – Joanna Briggs]
Get him an area or fence: No pet owner should ever let their dogs jump from their yard to others. Canines have natural tendency of hunting and getting around, and therefore, you need to ensure they have boundaries. They can even dig under the fence, chew the fences at many times, but you have to be mentally strong.
Make sure that the fence is dug deep in the ground and if needed, considering electrified fences. At the first place, this seems inhuman as they will hurt themselves for the first few times. However, as time passes, they will not challenge their boundaries, and you can get rid of the electrified fence you have! While boundaries aren’t advisable for many breeds, but fences are just perfect when you don’t want them to catch and chase cats, chickens and other dogs.
[Image –Tom Hurt Architecture]
Tell about your dog: More than the dogs adjusting, it is humans who need to modify and change a few things. If your dog has an aggressive behavior, tends to chase other dogs, doesn’t like animals or has any other problem, it is your moral duty to inform the neighbors. This will not only help you prevent a few unexpected and unwanted encounters but can be great for avoiding accidents.
[Image –Heather Garrett Design]
Ask your neighbors: Someone cannot be home all the time and how your dog behaves behind you is important to know. Many pooches keep barking due to separation anxiety or others might be just ruining the plants around. Whatever the case may be, make sure that you ask your neighbors. They may not complain at all times, but their feedback can help you train your dog better.
[Image – Randy Thueme Design Inc.]
When you have a challenging dog of your own– When you know that your dog is more of a challenge and neighbors keep complaining, it is time to bring the calmness in you. While you love your dog, don’t always go on the defensive mode when there is a complaint, but be more considerable of the situation and empathize with others. There are times when the dog is too much to handle, but at all points, seek help of neighbors for most of the problems. This will not just ease the situation but give you the confidence to correct behavior with right acts.
[Image – AlternaScapes]
When you are the neighbor to a dog family: It is easy to say that you don’t like a dog, but keep in mind that a lot goes in caring for the canines. If you have a problem, you need to be calm to explain the details of the case and issues with the pet owner. Rather than being aggressive on the issue, make a point to clear the threats you have in mind. Unless the dog is on a killing mission, you need to bear a little. You can advise on training the dog right or offer them insight on better behavior.
Every dog needs loving neighbors too!
