Podcast Notes for The Dogpoint Podcast, Episode 16: Small Things Turn Into Big Things

• Opening Acknowledgment I thanked our listeners from all over the world, including Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and more. I never imagined this podcast would reach so far!
• Key Theme Small behaviors in dogs that seem harmless or cute can grow into major problems if left unchecked.
• Examples of Small Things Turning Big
  • Demanding Attention: Pawing might seem cute but is actually a demand for attention. If ignored, it can escalate into growling or snapping when denied.
  • Ignoring Commands: Repeating commands like “sit” without enforcing them teaches dogs to ignore you. Say it once and follow through.
  • Furniture Rules: Allowing dogs to jump on the couch without invitation can lead to territorial behavior, such as growling when you want them off.
  • Doorway Behavior: Dogs rushing out of open doors might start small but can lead to dangerous incidents like running into traffic.
• Consistency Matters
  • Inconsistent rules between family members confuse dogs. Everyone in the household needs to enforce the same rules to maintain the dog’s respect and obedience.
  • Feeling tired or sorry for your dog should not lead to letting things slide. This erodes your authority over time.
• Special Note on Rescue Dogs Rescue dogs don’t live in the past; they live in the present. Treat them like any other dog while being mindful of triggers but still hold them accountable.
• Solutions to Avoid Big Problems
  1. Be consistent and always enforce commands.
  2. Get everyone in the household on the same page.
  3. If your dog struggles with a command, evaluate your training method. It’s never the dog’s fault—it’s a training gap.
  4. Train daily, even if it’s just five minutes.
• Final Thought Address small issues early to prevent big problems later. Consistency and daily practice lead to an obedient dog that’s a joy to live with.

Sign-off

No drive... No joy! Have fun with your dog.