Capable Canine Tips Tips Archive   Prevention is Key to Positive Training Simply put - to prevent unwanted behavior - do not give your dog the opportunity. While you are away from home limit the space your dog has to roam. This keeps him safe from harm by limiting his opportunity to chew up hoses, flowers, your clothes, or favorite pair of running shoes. The goal is to keep your dog from harming himself and limiting you from coming home to a mess, only to get frustrated and angry. Your anger only teaches your dog to fear you. Dog's live in the moment; they will do what works and avoid danger at all costs. If you are not available to prevent or correct the unwanted behavior the milli-second it happens - then just take a deep breath, clean the mess and move on. If you reprimand your dog after the fact, he will think you are upset for the last action he has performed. Which may very well be coming to great you with his happy tail wagging - NOW - whenever you return home he hides from you. You perceive this in human language as "guilt". Wrong. In dog language it means he is avoiding you. What he has learned is when you return home you get angry, and can't be trusted. Your dog is just trying to stay out of the way of danger. Remember - dogs will avoid danger at all costs!!! So, put that garbage can out of his reach, put your clothes and shoes, in the closet. While you are taking your shower or other wise occupied and unable to supervise your dog, put him in a secure area. Better yet, put him in his crate to keep him safe   from harm. Do not over use the crate by leaving your dog for hours without ample exercise. A pup should not be left in a crate any longer than one hour more than his age. Example: your pup is 3 months of age; he should not stay in the crate for longer than 4 hours at a time. Never use the crate as a punishment tool. Be Kind to Your Neighbor - "Scoop the Poop" Always, Always, carry a bag to "Scoop the Poop". Do not leave your dogs mess for your neighbor to clean up. Your dog is your responsibility, not your neighbors. Dog messes are unsightly for walkers and joggers dogging your dog's prize. A mess gives your non dog loving neighbor ammunition to dislike the dog loving neighbor. If your dog does his "business" while you are out strolling and you are caught unprepared - be kind to your neighbor - upon returning home, secure your dog, get that bag, drive, bike, jog, or walk back to the spot and "Scoop the Poop" !!!