All dogs are capable of displaying pleasant dog behavior no matter where they come from. Unwanted behaviors can be seen as testing, destructiveness, anxiousness, mischievous, naughty, stubbornness, fearfulness, dominance and constant excitable playfulness. Other disreputable behaviors are deliberate insubordination, jumping up and down, pacing, howling or barking, manipulating, biting, nipping and much more.
Understanding which dog behavior
Using methods of positive reinforcement are inspirational and motivating. Positive reinforcement training encourage dogs to think and make their own choices based on the owners’ responses or reactions. This type of training makes your dog believe he is in control, but secretly, you the owner is actually making the choices for your dog.
Positively teaching your dog is achieved by means of communication. Positive interactions with your companion is showing him how to behave.
Some dog owners claim to use progressive positive reinforcement to teach their dogs decent manners. However, they think it’s okay to knee or boot their dog into submission, then say good boy. This is negative reinforcement and is teaching dog’s to be afraid and possibly aggressive.
One of the best books I’ve read is How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin. It is an easy read and helps the reader use bite size understandable pieces. It is a step by step guide to encourage people not to use aversive corrections, which is what this article is about.
Dog classes or seeing a dog behaviorist is very expensive. Classes are mostly offered in a group setting, and a one to one consultation can cost the earth for one visit. Should classes be financially feasible for you, check out their credentials before making a commitment, everyone has different teaching methods. There are some excellent professionals and you could gain a certificate.
If you own a dog from hell or a very high-energy dog, classes will not work. The class will become embarrassing for you and your dog probably won’t learn much – if anything!
Creating good dog behavior
If you happen to be the unfortunate person who has bought a dog with unwanted behaviors, there is hope for you and your dog. Consistency is the key to change along with using positive reinforcement or operant training methods.
Positive reinforcement and operant conditioning are both respectful and loving towards anything living. Positive reinforcement should be used the most, this offers no forms of punishment. Operant conditioning also uses positive training, but with a twist of correction. To define a twist of correction usually means the word ‘NO’, which shouldn’t be said too often.
Good behaviors are not instinctive for some dogs, and some owner’s struggle at being a strong leader. You must be the Alpha or your dog will set the rules. If you’re thinking about buying a dog and you know you’re not a strong leader, then opt for a low ranking dog.
Your dog behaves the way you want him to behave, whether you are aware of it consciously or unconsciously. Furthermore, dog’s always know what you don’t know so train yourself to lead well!
Start as you mean to go on, for example: if you don’t want your dog on your bed, then never invite him.
Avoid saying NO or NAUGHTY or DON’T DO THAT, etc. this reinforces negative dog behavior. Instead, offer alternative approaches such as redirection methods. This might be ‘Hey, Kaba come and check this out’, if said in a sweet, calm and excited voice, your dog will understand. Always give praise to your dog to understand he is doing right, this also encourages good dog behavior.
If your dog loves to chew his bed and you can’t get him to stop, leave a bone in his bed/crate constantly. This literally means 24 hours per day and use various types of bones and kongs to avoid boredom. If your dog is crate trained and has a fluffy cover, remove it until he is mature enough not to eat or chew it but always replace with chewy toys. You can’t stop a puppy or a dog from chewing, instead of battling with your dog he needs to learn it is okay to chew the right things.
When your dog makes a beeline to jump on your sofa, say ‘NO’ and use the stop hand signal. Ask him to sit and reward with toy or a treat, tell him he is being a very good boy. Always reward good desirable behaviors with love and respect by using cuddles and/or treats, for more information on training with treats go HERE.
Consider purchasing the pet corrector, it quickly and humanely detracts unwanted dog behavior. This amazing tool is incredibly effective and is highly recommended.
Moderating disrespectful dog behavior
Positive reinforcement involves affection, love and respect, if you aren’t enforcing these acts of kindness you will not have a loving, mutual and respectful relationship with your dog. When disciplining your dog or teaching him new tricks or behaviors, it is unwise to use your hands and feet as submission tools. Furthermore, never use a bean tin to scare your dog, this encourages fear. It is also harsh to use tools such as a rolled-up newspaper or a belt, etc. to beat your dog into surrendering.
Negative teaching and training can instil fear, anxiety, rudeness, nervousness, aggressiveness, stubbornness apprehensiveness and much more. Negativity is the opposite to what you’re trying to achieve. Negative dogs equates to negative training and positive balanced dogs equates to positive training. In essence, this method is ineffective at creating a balanced dog. Remember, your dog learns from you!
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