• Owning the human – Most of us think it’s cute when dogs put their paws on us or sit on our foot. This behavior is actually the dog trying to own you. (Of course, there is a difference between showing affection with your pet and your dog randomly showing how they own you. Consider it as though your dog is putting his or her arm around you and saying, “This is mine.”)
• Urinating -  Dogs urinate for more than just to relieve themselves. Some dogs are actually marking over the other dogs who have been in the area. This is a dominant behavior. Have you ever seen male dogs that appear to try and lift their leg as high as they can? The reason is that the dog is trying to spread the scent of its urine. The higher the dog hits the target, the farther it will travel in the wind, thus spreading the scent. If you kennel your dog and he still urinates in the kennel, consider putting the dog in a smaller kennel. (The kennel should be just big enough for the dog to turn around. The dog won’t urinate in his den.)
• Skittish behavior – We as humans tend to think with our hearts first when it comes to our dogs. This tendency, however, is not what dogs need. When a dog gets spooked, we often try to comfort the dog and let it know that everything is okay, right? WRONG! Once again, I urge you not to think like a human, but to think the way dogs do. When your pet becomes unsure or skittish and you reassure it, you are actually praising the dog’s current state of mind. So, what you are telling the dog is that it’s okay to act weak, unsure, skittish, and afraid. I think we can all agree that this is not the kind of dog we want, and that this is certainly not a balanced dog.
• Sniffing the crotch -  As embarrassing as it may be when company comes over and your dogs nestles their nose into your visitor’s crotch, your dog is simply doing what comes natural to them. The reason the dog does this is it is getting to know you, the area where we release the most secretions and scent is our private parts so that’s why the dog chooses that area. Just as we shake hands to greet one another dogs sniff one other while they way they would meet us would be no different. As much as we may despise this rude behavior they don’t know any better, here is a great example of not matter how much we try to humanize our dogs they are still animals.
• Fear of noise/thunder -  If your dog is afraid of things like thunder, fireworks, or the trash man; sadly you are to blame. Please consider this, in nature there are no fireworks or trash trucks so dogs cannot be born with being afraid of those things the fear is a learned behavior. Remember dogs do not think like a human so don’t always think like a human when you are trying to do the best thing for your dog. I have had numerous clients trying to console their worried dogs right in front of me, so we have to talk about how they are promoting that behavior. In our minds we feel like when our dog is fearful, worried, or unsure and we comfort and assure them that all is going to be okay that we are being great owners and pack leaders. I do respect the love that these individuals have for their pet but you are creating a dog that will be sick in the head. If a dog views us as a pack leader and as the leader we are making a big deal about something i.e. dog being fearful of thunder, then guess what it’s a big deal to the dog because that’s what the leader has conveyed. Also when we think we are reassuring a dog we are actually promoting their current mind state. Keep in mind dogs don’t think like we do, so if you praise fearful behavior you are simply promoting it. So, what should you do when you dog is fearful, give them a job have them do obedience or play with your dog therefore taking the mind off of what is bothering them.
• Digging – Often you can find a dog digging for no apparent reason. There are a few reasons this may occur. In the wild, dogs sleep in a den. If there is no comfortable den in your yard then your dog may create their own. If you do not have a dog house with warm/comfortable bedding then you may want to consider getting one. Also if there isn’t enough stimulation for the dog such as walks, playing with toys, or interaction with the family once again your pet may begin to dig in the yard. This is difficult to stop because you need to catch the dog in the act. You can bury horribly smelling things where your dog dug or consider an electric collar because there is no other way of applying a correction from a distance or while you are inside.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!