Are you (unintentionally) reinforcing your dog's bad behavior?

Many of our dog training clients have dogs with behavior problems. The dogs are annoying the neighbors with their excessive barking, chewing up the family's shoes and socks, lunging on the leash or stealing food off the counters, to name just a few.

To help correct these issues, we recommend in home training. By coming to the clients home, we can see how the dog owner interacts with the dog. 9 times out of 10, it is the owner that enables and reinforces the bad behavior. Now to be fair, they mostly do this unintentionally.

Dogs like attention, especially from their owners. Behavior problems often stem from the dog not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. People often don't realize that their dogs are simply bored and are looking for something to do. When the animal is acting out with unwanted behavior, it is often times the owners that will reinforce the bad behavior by giving it attention. Let me illustrate with a few examples.

If the family pet is stealing shoes and socks, and chewing on them, the owners will often times go after the dog, as she runs around with the shoe in her mouth. The dog loves the chase-me-game and will not understand the owner is chasing her because they don't want her to destroy the expensive footwear.

Next time, instead of chasing after the dog and trying to pry the valuable item out of her mouth, try this approach:

Stand still and find an item that the dog should be chewing on. Without paying any attention to the dog, pick up the item, like the rawhide bone, or even a squeaky toy. Start paying a lot of attention to the item you are holding. You can squat down and squeak the toy, or waive the rawhide. The dog will lose interest in the shoe she is currently holding and will come over to investigate what you have. If she hasn't dropped the valuable item you are after, don't try to take it from her, that will only start the game of tug of war again. Offer the item you have to her. Since she cannot hold two items in her mouth, she will drop what she has and take the toy or treat you are offering. Praise her and remove the item you want.

Here is another example. If the dog is lunging on the leash, jumping and barking at cats, other dogs or other people, owners often try dragging the dog back, holding it very tight and frantically telling the dog to stop. The owners are either embarrassed or frustrated or even afraid. All this is actually increasing the behavior. So if your dog tends to act out while on the walk, next time try this approach instead:

Always make sure that you are calm and relaxed. Do not tense up and hold the leash tightly. You should always have your arms down and relaxed, holding the leash loosely. At the first sign of lunging or jumping, give the dog a correction and tell him “no”. If he is already escalated to were he is fixated on the cat, dog or person, change direction and get him to focus back on you. You can walk a few feet in the other direction, and then get better control of him. Give only short corrections with the leash, but do not let it be tight. As you walk past the distraction, make sure you are not fixated on it. If you pay no attention to the distraction, your dog will be less likely to as well.

This of course only works, if you have control of your dog on a normal walk, with a loose leash. If your dog always pulls you on the leash, you need to work first on having him walk on a loose leash. Being in control of your dog on leash is the most important thing to teach your dog. If this is something you and your dog still need to work on, you may find my blog on leash training of interest. 

Whatever the behavior issue, be aware of your reaction or your actions. Are you giving attention to the very thing you wish the dog to stop doing? To correct behavior issues, you need to show the dog what behavior you want. Dogs don't understand “don't do this”,they need you to show them what to do.

For more FREE dog training advice, see our website: Modern Canine Services

I hope you find this information helpful, you may also like to read my previous blog easy exercise for calming your super excited dog.

Until next time – Keep your Paws on the Road!

Bee

Jack Russell and Mini Aussie puppy play inside tree

If you been wondering why there have not been any posts in the last few days:

We got a new puppy!

 

 

Three Reasons to Crate-train your Puppy

Crate-training is something we highly recommend to our clients. Especially when you first get a puppy, it can be one of the most versatile tools in early training and greatly aids potty training. Some of our clients don't understand the benefits of the crate and think of it as a mean cage. One of the main reasons is that many dog owners make the mistake of using the crate as a form of punishment, rather then a safe place. If used correctly, dogs see the crate as a comfortable and safe place to relax. Here are three reasons why you should crate train your puppy.

1. The crate is the best way to keep your puppy save when you cannot supervise him.

In the beginning stages of training your new puppy, it is important to supervise him at all times. Pups like to explore their new surroundings and will use their teeth on carpets and furniture, if they are not redirected.

It is a good idea to secure the pet in the crate when you cannot supervise him. Whether you want to take a shower, or need to go to get groceries at the store, leaving the pup in the crate keeps him out of trouble. He can't chew up electrical wiring or your rug. Give him a nice bed inside the crate and a few chew toys to keep him busy. Then you can leave him for short periods of time without having to worry about him getting into something he shouldn't.

2. The crate is the fastest way to house train the dog

The crate is a very effective tool to potty train your pet. Using the crate at night is the fastest way to house-train a puppy, as it prevents accidents in the house at night. Make sure that you get up about every 3 hours during the first few weeks to let the puppy out to do her business. Gradually extend the time in the crate to 4 or 5 hours. Once she gets older, let her tell you when she needs to go out, and pretty soon she will sleep through the night.

3. The crate gives the pup a safe place of his own.

The crate quickly becomes the pups den, where he feels comfortable and safe. He can get away from other pets or from children. During the day, place the crate in an area where you and the family hang out the most. Let the door remain open, and you will see the pet going into the crate to take naps, or just to lay down and chew on his bone.

Once the pet identifies the crate with safety, you can further use it to train him. As the puppy grows, and needs to go places with you, use the crate in the car. He will have a familiar place, he already associates with quiet and calmness, so the car ride won't seem so scary.

If you travel with your dog, having him crate trained is optimal, since you can bring the crate into any new and unusual surrounding and provide the pet with a place of his own.

I hope you found the information helpful, please share or comment, I love to hear your feedback.

For information on how to properly crate train your new puppy, look for my upcoming post on the subject. Until then: Keep your Paws on the Road!

Thank you,

Bee

Saturday Nov 05, 2016 - Dogs' Day in the Garden

Don't miss  this weekends' special opportunity to bring your dogs to the Desert Botanical Garden on 1201 North Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 from 8 am to 2pm ONLY!

Here is a great opportunity to socialize your dog and enjoy the beautiful November weather in the Valley! Explore the many Garden trails, mingle with other dog lovers, and pose for photo opportunities. You can also learn about local dog-related nonprofits, shop for dog stuff and enjoy some samples with Fido. There are also several canine-themed activities. Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time!

General Garden admission (Adults: $22 Children: $10) and $4 per dog. The admission fees for the dogs are going to benefit the Arizona Humane Society

Garden admission includes:

• All ages craft activity
• Samples of dog treats
• Special presentations from behavioral solutions to local activities for you and your dog
• Doga (dog yoga) spaces limited
• Before you enter the Garden, visit the Arizona Humane Society Waggin’ Wheels Mobile Adoption Vehicle near the Garden Entry | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Special Dog etiquette, please read:
All dogs must be on a leash and remain on marked trails at all times.
Dogs must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and licenses.
Handlers must pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of their waste.
Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any dog thought to be dangerous to other dogs or visitors.
Dogs will only be admitted to the Garden between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Dogs will not be allowed in Gertrude’s or the Garden Shop.
Programming subject to change.

For more information go to the Facebook events page at:
Dogs' Day in the Garden Event


We hope to see you there! Please take a picture with your dog and share here on our blog. Thank you for stopping in and as always - Keep your Paws on the Road!