Are You Spoiling Your Dog?

Does your dog have a custom-made fur coat, a driver to take him on play dates, and a custom-made bed with his name carved on the headboard? Do you organise elaborate birthday parties for your pet inviting all of his (or your) closest friends?

Isn't he spoiled rotten?

 Not necessarily. There's a fundamental difference between pampering a dog and spoiling him. As long as your pet knows his place and obeys your commands, you can pamper him to your heart's content.

 Not sure whether your pet is seriously spoiled? 

  - Does your dog beg relentlessly at the table until he's fed? 

 - Does he ignore your commands unless there's a treat involved? 

  - Does she growl or nip you when you take one of her toys?

 If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's time to redefine the relationship. Your pet will be happier and more secure once he knows his place (even if it is on his designer pet bed).

 Sleeping arrangements

 Michelle Longo, a dog trainer, worked with a dog who was being trained to sleep in a crate in the kitchen. When the dog would cry at night, the owner would go to the kitchen and sleep on the floor near the dog. "Now THAT'S spoiling a dog," Longo said.

 It's fine to let your pet sleep in your bedroom, if that's what you choose. And the decision as to whether puppy sleeps on the bed should also be yours. If he jumps up without permission, tell him to get off, removing him if necessary. This is especially important in the early stages of your relationship, when hierarchy is being established.

Feeding and treats

 There's nothing wrong with hand feeding your dog, says as long as it's not from the dinner table. Never let your pet beg at the table, and don't reward him for doing so by sneaking him a treat under the table.

 Put your pet in a down-stay while you eat, and insist that he stay there. If you want Fido to "join" you for dinner, give him a bone or special treat to chew on at his own space, away from the table.

 There’s nothing wrong in training with treats because they can entice a pet into happily obeying commands. But, it's important to stagger rewards: sometimes give one treat, sometimes two, and sometimes just a pat on the head and verbal praise. When they don't know what's coming, they'll work even harder.

 Toys & play

 If your home looks like an obstacle course from all the dog toys scattered across the floor, you're not really doing your pet a favor. Dogs would much rather spend a few special minutes playing with you than chewing on every Kong toy ever manufactured.

 Rather than buying more toys, devote time every day to playing with your pet. As part of that play, work on basic obedience skills or special tricks - remembering to reward him with lots of praise and an occasional treat.