Correcting your dog's unwanted behavior

Whenever our dogs do something we don’t want them to do, the first thing we say is, “No! No!” But when your dog makes a mistake, should you correct your dog?

First, don’t just say “no,” even if you say it clearly. You risk damaging your relationship with your dog when you use intimidation to correct your dog. Finally, telling/yelling your dog “no” doesn’t give him direction; it doesn’t mean your dog knows what is appropriate behavior. It takes time and energy, but setting clear boundaries for your dog means a happier relationship.

Start with a lot of management

Prevention is referred to as “management” in dog training. It involves preventing your dog from engaging in unwanted behavior that you would rather see him stop.

For example, if you notice your dog chewing on your shoes or jumping on your children, the first step is to find a way to stop the behavior. Do this until you can teach him how to behave differently. This may require some creativity, or at the very least, putting your shoes away. Use crates, baby gates, window blockers, and leashes.

Holding a toy in your hand while petting your puppy can help prevent him from biting you. A visual blocker may be necessary if your dog often barks at what he sees outside the window.

Remove the reinforcements

When a dog does something we don't want him to do, there is usually a reason for it. If this is typical dog behavior, we need to find other ways to deal with it. Fear is a common factor in the dog's unwanted behavior.

Dogs do activities that humans don't like, like jumping on us. But these actions can also be a way for dogs to show their frustration or fear.

Try to understand why your dog behaves this way. Do you notice that your dog jumps on you when someone comes in? Is a trip outside a great way to relieve boredom? Is a dog game around the house enough to distract your dog?

Interrupt positively

Should we never say no to our dogs? Of course we can. But it is crucial to set boundaries and limits (physical and behavioral) for ourselves and our dogs. Stopping your dog from doing something dangerous or annoying is of course always good.

What matters most is how you decide to stop him. Feedback that is both clear and consistent is the right foundation for a relationship. For example: Your dog is thinking about jumping on the couch and you don’t want him to do that. Instead, you can calmly and repeatedly direct him to his bed or crate to rest/sleep.

Chewing

Make sure your puppy or dog has plenty of safe chew toys. If you want to prevent your favorite shoes from being chewed, put your supplies away and have chew toys within easy reach. Don’t forget to reward your pet for a job well done. Especially in the beginning, you can’t reward your pet often enough with cookies (or your own kibble).

 Another piece of advice is to set aside thirty minutes of exercise. This is great for your pet’s physical and mental well-being, and it’s easy to incorporate a puzzle toy into their daily routine.

Redesigning your garden

To bury food or create a great place to rest in the summer, dogs like to dig in the ground with their paws. Allow puppies to explore in a designated “dig area.” This helps your dog burn energy and relieve stress.

Make sure your dog doesn't dig elsewhere while walking. This way he understands that it is only allowed and possible in your garden at the designated spot. Structure and clarity is best for you and your dog.

Socializing with dogs

To prevent confrontations between two dogs, dogs should never meet on leashes. Instead, if you have a puppy, find a fenced location where the puppies can play together.

Take your dog to a dog park where he can run around and socialize with other dogs. It is good to ask your dog to sit before meeting a strange dog on the street. Once the introduction is over, give your dog a reward for good behavior.

Eating from the counter

You can be sure that your dog will stop sniffing the countertop if everything is removed. Since you don't want to play policeman all day, you will have to train your dog to do this. Only when your dog is standing on all fours on the ground, you reward him. You do this mainly with very attractive smelling treats. Think of chicken, frikandel, sausage, liver sausage (for the dog).

Now that you've learned some effective dog training tactics, make sure you have your dog's favorite treat on hand. This way, you won't have to correct your dog.

More information about dog habits, such as paw licking, can be found on this website. If you are having trouble house training your dog, check out our other posts.

Jumping

Dogs are known for their tendency to jump. Their mother’s wagging tails and squeaking screams excite puppies. When meeting new people, your dog may jump up. Your dog may also jump up when excited or hoping that the person has something.

A dog that jumps everywhere can be annoying and even dangerous. There are several ways to prevent dogs from jumping, but not all methods are equally effective. Correcting your dog is not the first step. The best way is to reward your dog when he stands with all four paws on the ground. Another option is to put your dog on a leash in the house when a stranger comes in. Then reward him again when he does not jump but stands or lies with all four paws on the ground.

Bite

One of the most common reasons why dogs bite is to protect themselves from being bitten. Puppies nibble and bite to explore themselves. Puppies learn from their mother dog not to bite too hard.

If a puppy continues to bite, it is time to correct your dog. It is important to note that dog bites can occur for many reasons, not just puppy behavior. Biting or growling is not always a sign of aggression.

Reward your puppy by giving him something when he chooses the toy instead of your hand or clothing. Distract him and make playing more fun than letting him bite your hand. Reward him every time he chooses the toy.