Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior modification techniques at one time or another when training their prized pet. If you are able to understand why your dog does what he does, when he does it, you are one step closer to solving the problem. This article will detail six ways of doing just that, in a general fashion that can be used for a wide variety of issues.
Tip #1: It’s All about Control
Let your dog know who is in charge, and you’ve alleviated a lot of problems. It’s not about fighting for control, it’s about knowing who has it. So when it’s time to train your dog, put on his training collar so he’s fully aware of what time it is. Alternatively, use a leash when walking your dog, so that he knows who is boss all of the time.
Tip #2: Reframe the Negative
Instead of telling your dog, “NO” for something bad he’s done, try and reframe the negative into something positive instead. For instance, if your dog decided to run after a chipmunk running across your lawn, try, “Sit” instead of whatever you’d normally use. Now you can praise him as well for his good behavior, instead of yelling at him because he didn’t stop.
Tip #3: Allow for Differences in Perception
Your dog may not think that digging is a bad behavior, but you and your garden probably do. Instead of getting upset, why not provide your dog with adequate digging space elsewhere, complete with buried treasures? Then, you can do the same as dog training tip number two, and provide positive feedback when he digs in the allotted space, and not in your flower garden.
Tip #4: Use Consistency
Make Sure the Whole Household Acts Consistently When you are training your dog, make sure that everyone in the house knows what you are doing, and how to provide supportive measures when needed. That means that if you are teaching the word sit, then everyone in the house should know what to do, when to do it, and why if a behavior presents itself where the command should be used.
Tip #5: Keep Moving
Many behavioral issues with dogs lie behind the fact that they don’t get out enough for a long walk or run. Make sure to take them out on a regular basis (daily, if at all possible) to somewhere new that he can explore on his own time.
Tip #6: Keep it Simple
The more clear you are with your dog while training him, the better off everyone will be. Show your dog what you are asking him to do, instead of just telling him. Give the command at the same time while you show him (gently, of course) and ensure that your body language matches your words.
9 Comments
Freedog trainingtips help you understand how to effectively train your dog.It was good to get that tips in this site.Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior modification techniques at one time or another when training their prized pet.
Nice post, thanks for sharing. I posted about my deaf dog this morning.
http://heartofwisdom.com/blog
Very good information on dog training. Positive re-enforcement and consistancy go a long way to instill proper behavior in your dog. Keep up the good work.
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Do you think digging is a byproduct of an unfulfilled need?
Jack,
In most cases it is because of an unfulfilled need. There is a great article on the Human Society of the US page about digging.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/digging.html
I have a 4yo golden retriever who is my Service Dog. On a 4 occasions I have left her home due to being in anothers new car. Now she thinks the leather sofa is her bed!!! She is also jealous [?] of the cat she was raised with the first two years of her life, and came back into our lives a week ago to once asgain live with us. I don’t know what to do!
@Barbs
If you don’t want her to be on the sofa, it is up to you to teach her not to be, remember, you’re the pack leader, so you set the rules. When she gets up on the sofa, give her a sharp “NO!” and make her get down. When she gets down, praise her. You’ll have to do this every time she gets up on the couch, but she will get the idea that she’s not suppose to be up there.
As far as the cat goes, since the cat has been gone, it has been her house and her territory. She will just take time to get used to not being the only animal in the house anymore. They will eventually warm up to each other, but it will take some time for both of them.
Hope this helps!
‘Lissa
Some fantastic tips there which when implemented will give you a happy and confident dog. Thanks for sharing!
Jonny