Dog Discipline

• Having your dog in a long “down-stay” (she is laying on ground and staying), gives you the Solano dog owner needed control. It establishes you as the alpha in the dog’s view (reinforces that you are in control and the dog isn’t controlling you).
• Look directly into her eyes when disciplining.
• Have a strong tone. Feel that you are in charge, and not the dog! Dog’s will sense your weakness if you choose to be weak about it.
• Pay no attention to your dog for say 30 minutes after an offense. You can remain passive. Don’t speak with the dog, or make eye contact. The dog needs time to readjust.
• If the dog shows no signs of submission after the punishment, check to see how well you are following through with your disciplinary procedures. If the dog comes and nudges you 5-10 minutes after the discipline, there’s a good chance the dog didn’t learn it’s lesson yet.
• Avoid dramatic make ups.
• Discipline in proportion to the offense. Don’t make the dog feel you’re unjust.
• Don’t be one of those who take their anger out on the dog. It’s easy to get trapped into being constantly angry at your dog. If needed work on improving yourself, while you work on your dog. This can be counter productive. Neither you nor the dog should take the errors personally!
• Solano bookstores have great dog books. Train the dog yourself. Or consider a Solano dog trainer in Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun, Vacaville and Vallejo. Or try dog trainers in Napa, Contra Costa and Yolo Counties.