As Crufts showcases the UK’s best behaved dogs, Butcher’s Pet Care has put together some top tips on how to ensure your dog does you proud in public. Appreciating that pooches are at their naughtiest or most excited when they have an audience, Butcher’s is committed to the well-being of your dog and has worked alongside animal psychologist, Sarah Whitehead, to guide owners on how to achieve show-ring performance whilst entertaining:
1.Dogs are like children and can be hyperactive if they are hungry or have just been fed. Always make time to feed your dog, remember their meal time is just as important as yours. If you are having guests over, it is best that your dog eats before they arrive or mid-visit at the usual time. 2.A balanced diet is essential to help your dog stay fit, healthy and well behaved too. Butcher’s dog food is developed in conjunction with leading nutritionists, made with fresh meat and containing no artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives it is the natural choose for your dog
3.It is always best to make sure your dog says ‘hello’ to visitors in a calm and controlled way. Tell visitors to ignore the dog until he’s sitting, and reward good behaviour with lots of praise, treats and toys.
4. Again, like little ones, dogs react to food containing artificial ingredients. Do not let visitors feed your dog treats which will just ‘whoop it up’. Feeding from the table is also a terrible idea; this will just lead to begging.
5.If your guests bring their dog with them, let them play in neutral territory like the garden or take them on a long walk where they can tire each other out.
6.Learn to be able to ‘read’ your dog’s body language and facial expression your communication with him will be much more effective and enjoyable.
7.Remember to be consistent. When interacting with your canine, use distinctive communication. Just because you have friends over there is no excuse to send your dog mixed messages. It is important to be confident and in control at all times.
8.If you do want to show off your dog’s latest tricks to your friends, do not do it on a full stomach that’s your dogs tummy. No-one wants to run around when they are feeling uncomfortable and full of breakfast.
9.Avoid being a ‘pushy parent’ with your pet prodigy even if you have taught your dog lots of new tricks to show your visitors the chances are extra pressure and nerves will not generate the shaking paws, sitting and staying and walking to heel, or jumping through hoops you so desire .
10.And finally make sure you enjoy your dog; after all he is ‘Man’s Best Friend’. Be patient and positive at all times and you will have a beautifully well behaved dog in no time.
Says Sarah Whitehead, ‘Dogs and children both respond to consistency, kindness and rewards. Our relationships with our dogs should echo those we have with our children in focusing on the positive. Above all, learning should be fun!’