Seven rules dog owners should follow if they ‘want a respectful pet’

A staggering 84% of dog owners struggle with pet discipline, making the task of nurturing a well-mannered canine seem daunting.

As a result, many are on the hunt for effective training methods, with Google searches for ‘how to raise a dog’ skyrocketing by 334%.Some even turn to platforms like Reddit for guidance.

In light of this, Annie-Mae Levy, an expert dog trainer from Woofz, the puppy and dog training app, has divulged her top seven tips for cultivating a ‘respectful’ dog.

“The concept of alphas in the canine kingdom has been dispelled, but dogs do love to test boundaries,” Annie-Mae explains. “If left unchallenged, problematic behaviours can develop into issues such as excessive barking, overexcitement, and aggression.”

She recommends these seven crucial rules for anyone aiming to have a well-behaved furry friend.

1. Respect your pets’ personal space

It’s essential to teach your dog to respect others’ personal space, especially if they tend to lick faces or beg at the table. But remember, it’s a two-way street.

Annie-Mae advises: “Failing to respect your pet’s boundaries can lead to anxiety and aggression, so stop disturbing them while they eat or giving them affection when they’re not in the mood.”

2. Be strict about furniture

Whether you enforce a no-dogs-on-the-sofa policy or enjoy cuddling with your pet on the couch, consistency is key. Be mindful if your dog becomes overly possessive of their preferred spot.

The expert warns: “Correcting resistance can lead to a bite, so call in a professional behaviourist if resource guarding is causing conflict in your home.”

3. Ensure they have a clear bedtime routine

Establishing a solid bedtime routine is also essential for pets that either hog the bed or are too energetic when you’re trying to sleep. Annie-Mae recommends setting up a cosy spot for them and sticking to a consistent bedtime, ignoring any bids for attention—unless it’s completely out of character.

She notes: “If your pet suddenly can’t sleep through the night, there’s a high chance they’re in discomfort, and a visit to the vet is in order.”

4. Don’t feed them off your plate

Annie-Mae advises against feeding dogs from your plate, stating: “Your dog doesn’t beg for food because they’re hungry, but because it works. Some find it cute, but others find it off-putting.”

To prevent begging at the dinner table, she suggests rewarding your dog when they settle elsewhere, allowing you to enjoy your meal undisturbed.

5. Make sure they can’t access unsafe areas

Safety within the home is also crucial, with Annie-Mae comparing pets to toddlers in the kitchen, recommending the use of safety gates to block access to hazardous areas.

She says: “Ignore the puppy dog eyes and install safety gates to keep them out of unsafe areas.”

6. Make sure you have hold of the lead while on walks

The dog trainer touches on the importance of lead control during walks, highlighting that dogs pulling or lunging on the leash can be dangerous.

She advises: “Here, a harness can give you more control, but it’s no replacement for thorough training. Stop when they pull and reward when the lead is loose.”

7. Keep them calm

Annie Mae highlights the importance of peace within a multi-pet home by stating: “There’s no such thing as a pack leader, but animals in multi-pet households often establish priority over particular resources-and conflicts can arise.”

She advises: “To reduce the risk of a fight, keep high arousal times, such as during meals, as calm as possible. Create a feeding routine, keep pets separate while they eat, and if they cause trouble? It’s perfectly fine to remove them from the room to cool down.”