The Well Mannered Dog's Bible

As a dog lover you may own an enthusiastic dog, a dog that loves life, a dog that looks forward to each and every day to play, jump and run, but as an owner you should not own an ill mannered dog. Your dog does not ultimately have to read a book about canine etiquette to be well mannered, all it takes is some self control, some guidance and some patience, something that can be easily summed up in one word: obedience training.

Most dogs are people pleasers, this is something inherited deep down in the dog's genetical core after hundreds of years of domestication. It is ultimately up to you as an owner to make clear requests to your dog specifically highlighting and praising the behaviors you approve and correcting the behaviors you disapprove. This can be accompished using positive training strategies such as clicker training, positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning training. Following are some of the basic manners all dogs should have in order to be considered well behaved.

The Well Mannered Dog's Bible

1) You Shall Not Beg

Watching your master eat and drooling as he brings the chunky piece of steak to his mouth is considered rude. Approaching your master and pawing at him for a chunk is unnacepptable. Yes, your master made a big mistake of sometimes passing you down some tasty chunks from under the table, but as a well behaved dog you shall sit nice and composed and wait for your turn after your master has finished his meal.

2) You Shall Not Jump

Greeting your master upon coming home from a day long shift is acceptable, but jumping on him and unbalancing him is not . As a dog, your four paws shall be aways on the ground, for reaching up to your master's level is like challenging his/her authority. Be respectful, stay composed and wait for your owner to decide when he is ready to greet you.

3) You Shall Not Walk in Front

Your owner is your leader therefore, as a well mannered dog you shall not exit from the door first. Rather, wait for your owner to step out and then follow. Same applies to descending stairs and walking through narrow passages. Your master is the leader and you are the follower.

4) You Shall Not Pull

As a follower, do not pull your owner when on lead.. Pulling is challenging your master's authority because that means you decide where to go. Instead, keep calm, walk a step behind your master or right besides him. Never pull your master to greet your friends or to chase that squirrel down the road. Follow your leader and stay composed.

5) You Shall Not Be Possessive

Never growl at your master for getting too close to your bone or toy. You must respect your master and appreciate his generous willingness to share with you toys and bones.

6) You Shall not be Demanding

Respect your owner's space. When your master pets you and stops, do not demand more. Be happy with what your master gives you. No nudging, barking or pawing shall be allowed.

7) You Shall not Disrespect the Premises

As a well mannered dog, respect your master's belonging. Do not soil the carpet, chew on the drywall, eat up your master's slippers. Your master has provided plenty of toys for your entertainment, appreciate them and respect your master's premises.

8) You Shall not Block Passageways

As cool as it may feel sleeping in the hallway on a hot afternoon, as a well mannered dog you shall not block passageways, or if you really must, you shall move as soon as you notice your master is coming towards you.

9) You Shall be Not be Uncooperative

When it comes to grooming nails, brushing and cleaning ears you shall be cooperative. Do not pull away, escape or make your master's life miserable. As a well mannered dog, remain calm, cooperative and appreciative of the care you receive. Your master will appreciate it and hopefully pass a treat.

10) You Shall Not be Direspectful of Extended Family

Be respectful to your master's children, friends and other pets. They are extended family and your master requires you to respect them. As a well mannered dog, you will be tolerant of them and appreciate their company.

There it is. Your dog knows what he must do. It is up to you now as an owner to demonstrate your dog how to become a well mannered dog. The potential is there and with the proper training, the well behaved dog will ultimately come out, turning  him in the perfect example of a follower of dog etiquette.