Hi, my name is Jax. I have waited a long time for an opportunity to blog and am excited to share my story. For starters, my human friends at the shelter tell me that I have the cutest ears. Everyone at the shelter is super nice. They constantly praise me for learning quickly and for my ability to get along with other animals.
I love when people stop by my cage to offer a treat. I politely take the treat and often flash a goofy grin their way. One day I hope the grin and the ears warm someone’s heart. I’m tired of waiting for my forever family to rescue me. I would make a wonderful family pet. For some reason, I am constantly overlooked — probably because there are so many cats and dogs waiting for a family.
I sure wish loving arms would replace the bars and walls that surround me. Please share my story and help me settle into a home in time for the holidays. I don’t want to spend another holiday season alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. In return, I’d like to share a dog tip. My trainer, Laura Garber, teaches me new things every day. Enjoy the information.
Tip #8: Impulse Control
Instilling impulse control means teaching your dog that he gets the things he wants for polite behavior, not for demanding behavior. If your dog wants to go for a walk, dancing around when he sees the leash is going to make the leash go back on the hook; sitting quietly to be leashed up is a successful way of saying please and will get the desired result. While waiting for his meal to be prepared, barking and whining will mean that the dinner bowl goes back on the shelf out of reach; sitting calmly and waiting to be released to his bowl will earn his meal.
Ideally, with impulse control exercises, you don’t want to tell your pooch what to do explicitly. That would be solving his problem for him. Instead, wait for polite behavior to be offered. This way your pooch is learning how to be a polite dog every moment of the day, not just the moments that he’s receiving direct instruction from you.
About the Author: Jax is a two-year old Terrier-American Pit Bull mix. He is playful, smart and tolerant of other dogs. Jax enjoys playing with toys and is a great companion. He is up-to-date with his vaccinations and neutered. Visit the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh. The telephone number is 516-785-5220.
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