• Sample pages
• Page 1
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  Introduction

  One of the joys of owning a dog for many people (and their dogs) is getting out in the world. For the dogs, sniffing, peeing, saying hello to fellow dogs and humans makes their day. For the owner, dogs attract attention, help their owner meet new friends, improve the exercise quality of their life and contribute to their well being.

  . . . If the dog is well behaved. If not, you may find yourself running through the streets after an escape, defending rude behavior or just be embarrassed over it, and looking for ways to leave your house alone without stress because Rowdy Rover will utilize his piercing eye stare for leaving him behind.

  This eBook is a guide on how to cope well in a variety of situations with a dog you will be proud of most of the time. You and your dog will be welcomed in a variety of environments the more competent you both become at knowing how to act in public.
• Page 2
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  Chapter 1- Dogs in Public Spaces

  Browsing the internet you will find heated debates about dogs being allowed (or not allowed) in public spaces. The variety of opinions is astonishing and most of the people in the discussions are dog owners. Health laws forbid dogs from places that serve or sell food, except in open dining areas. I live in a very dog friendly town, so dogs are allowed in almost any place you want to bring them, and I have never seen an unruly dog in any of the stores or outdoor restaurants.

  Dogs really don’t need to go everywhere with you. And coming from me, that is a huge concession. I love to give my dogs many opportunities to be out in public and show off their good manners. Places I really don’t like to bring my dogs are places where I want my own time alone and figure that others do also. The bookstore, any clothing store, fine china store or art galleries on opening night are my personal off-limits time for dogs.

  It is good to expose your dog to public places and as a trainer I work with clients in high traffic areas so that they and their dog have the option to feel comfortable and safe when their dog joins them. It is also just good manners to not expect other people to enjoy the love and affection you have for your dog anytime and anywhere. I liken it to public displays of overt affection – I am glad the couple is in love but I don’t need all the details.
• About the Author
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  Miriam Hughes has been training dogs formally for the past ten years. She has run her own training service and has conducted dog training classes at PetSmart. She studied canine behavior through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute, and her training style is influenced by Ian Dunbar, Pat Miller and other forefathers and mothers of the positive reinforcement method of training.

  Her primary goal is to have everyone communicating with the dog and one another on the most common level possible, avoiding confusion, resentment and misplaced anger and acting out from any family member. A secondary goal is to educate and inform as many people as possible so that more dogs get to stay home with the family that first adopted them, be it a new puppy or older dog, and not end up in rescue centers.

  Miriam Hughes is the Owner of MissBehave Dog Training and the author of a continuing series of eBooks on dog training. She can be found on Facebook as MissBehave Dog Trainer and is available to answer questions about training, training theory and reactive behavior in dogs. You can also reach Ms. Hughes at artdog@miriamhughes.com.

$4.95