How can I judge whether a boarding kennel is a good one?

The way in which the establishment is managed is reflected in its general hygiene, e. g. the smell, the cleanliness of the kennels and the exercise runs, the condition of the food and water bowls, and the appearance of the attendants. The sleeping quarters should be dry and roomy with a raised sleeping bench (in the winter inquire about heating), and with a separate individual exercise run attached, which preferably should be roofed over. Security is important to prevent animals escaping; doors and fences should be sturdy and in good condition and the outdoor run should be of concrete to prevent tunnelling. Note whether the boarders look contented and well cared for. If the kennels look substandard and poorly run, try elsewhere. Even if you are satisfied, check that the accommodation you have seen is where your dog will be housed; sometimes second-rate accommodation is tucked out of sight.

How can I stop my dog from jumping up?

This behavior may seem appealing when it starts during puppyhood, but later will become very annoying, especially when the dog has muddy paws or sharp claws. When a large dog jumps up at a child it can be very frightening and even dangerous, and the fear engendered may so encourage some dogs that they begin to adopt an aggressive attitude. The practice begins as an extrovert, dominant form of greeting and attention getting, but should be discouraged as soon as it appears. To allow it initially and then punish it will lead to confusion in the dog’s mind.

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How can I check my dog’s tendency to wander?

Roaming, wandering or straying – whatever you call it is instinctive behavior for some male dogs, especially of certain breeds. Labrador Retrievers have a particular reputation for it.

Every effort should be made to deter the dog from wandering away from home, especially since it may cause road accidents and be injured in them. Fences and gates must be kept in good repair and be both high and low enough to confine the dog. Certainly never deliberately turn a dog into the street to relieve or exercise itself.

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It is very embarrassing when my male dog mounts my leg, especially in front of guests. How can I prevent this behavior?

Sexual mounting is a normal part of play for male puppies, and masturbation is also a normal activity around the time of puberty. The dog will clasp objects or other dogs between his forelegs and indulge in pelvic thrusting. Normal adult males lose this behavior and direct their sexual activity towards bitches in heat, although a few may continue to mount males or to mount people.

When people are the recipients of a dog’s mounting it is generally considered to be the result of too early socialization with man, and restricted socialization with his own species, such as may happen if he has been removed from his mother and littermates at five weeks old or earlier. The dog becomes so strongly attracted towards humans that he comes to regard them as his normal sexual partners, and has little or no inclination, or ability, to breed with other dogs. Sometimes bitches will show similar mounting behavior with people for the same reason. Such bitches are unwilling to accept any approach from a dog.

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Is it possible to stop excessive barking?

Barking is a natural response of dogs to situations in which they become excited, and because it requires little effort it may be overdone. Obviously barking is desirable if you want the dog to guard your house or car while you are away, and to warn you of the presence of prowlers or someone at the door. But although the dog should be praised for barking in these situations it should also be trained to limit its barking by being told after a while to be quiet, and if necessary being sent to its bed if it doesn’t comply.

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My dog is very destructive when I am out. How can I curb this?

First of all let us be clear that we are not simply discussing the chewing habits of young puppies. All puppies go through a phase of chewing things, just as do young children, which is probably a combination of experimentation with different textures, flavors etc. and, especially around four to six months old, a means of relieving irritation when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Obviously at this stage it is sensible to avoid leaving the puppy alone in a room with valuable items which it might damage.

Destructiveness by adult dogs in the absence of the owner occurs for different reasons; the most common combination of which is boredom, a fear of being abandoned (anxiety isolation), a surplus of energy and a craving for extra attention. It may take the form of chewing doors, furniture and rugs etc. or, if the dog is left outside, digging holes in the garden. Often it will be associated with other undesirable actions, such as barking or messing in the house.

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How can I stop my dog from chasing after motorbikes and cars?

Fortunately, most dogs do not develop this habit, but of those that do many have a short life. It is of course instinctive for a dog to chase a moving object, which in the wild would be its prey required for food. For domesticated dogs, sticks, balls, cats and even moving vehicles have become substitutes. Greyhounds regularly chase a dummy hare around the track, though they are not meant to catch it (occasionally the mechanism breaks down and then they tear the ‘hare’ apart).

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