Your dog’s behavior can often become a source of frustration and even anger. Whether he digs through the garbage, jumps up on the couch, or barks at every passing neighbor, it can be maddening to their humans.
No matter what is causing the behavior, and no matter your dog’s age, yo’ll be happy to know that bad habits can nearly always be corrected with some patience and consistency.
Here are some simple and easy-to-understand rules to follow in your quest for greater peace and sanity at home with your dog.
1. Always Reward the Good Behavior: This may sound a bit too basic. But owners tend to reward their dogs only when “training“, not in everyday interactions. Reacting with a warm “good boy!” and a scratch behind the ears frequently throughout the day will have your pooch seeking ways to make you happy. Remember – you get what you reinforce.
2. Consistency is Key: Make sure that every human in the house knows the rules and is committed to following them. If you want the dog off the couch, it will send a mixed (and confusing) signal if your spouse invites the dog up on the couch to snuggle.
For the good of the animal, make sure the whole family is invested in the success of the puppy training regimen.
3. Run out their Energy: Giving him enough exercise and physical interaction may be the secret to curing your dog’s behavior. Dogs tend to get into mischief when they are bored and have pent-up energy, so do what you can to help them release it.
Throw a ball, take them to the dog park to play with other dogs, run next to them instead of taking a walk – the possibilities are endless. You will not only have a tired and happy dog who is less likely to act out – but you’ll be strengthening the bond between the two of you.
4. Time for a Timeout: Much like a toddler, your dog needs to learn which behaviors are unacceptable, but the consequence of bad behavior should be brief and non-threatening. If nothing is working, give your dog a timeout.
Have a spot which is removed from the “action” – perhaps a kennel or a corner with a blanket – and command them to stay. Timeouts need not be much more than 1 or 2 minutes, and your dog will soon make the connection.
5. Training & Classes: If all else fails, you may wish to consider dog training classes to address your dog’s behavior. Professional instruction is not only great for your dog, but also teaches you, as the owner, how to better communicate with your dog.
Ultimately, the goal of training your dog and changing their behavior is to create a foster the best possible relationship between you. Once your dog understands what is expected of them, you will enjoy a more fulfilling co-existence, free of stress for them (and you.) You will see over time that not only will the behaviors that made you crazy start to disappear, but that your dog will actively do those things that earn your praise.
So be strong, be consistent, and be firm – and watch your dog’s behavior transform!
At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we provide exceptional dog training services for the Tampa, Sarasota & Bradenton area. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your dog’s behavior.
