Dog behavior training is a must if you hope to build a strong and healthy relationship with your pooch. Behavior training isn’t only for dogs showing behavior issues – it is the foundation on which you will build the rules that you want to apply in your household. As the ‘Alpha’ of the pack, it is your responsibility to set limits and teach your dog which behaviors are unwanted and which are acceptable. Good dog behavior training will touch on many issues and will need to be adjusted as new behaviors emerge. An effective behavior training program should be ongoing – adult dogs need training just as puppies do.
The Easy Guide to Dog Behavior Training
Unwanted behaviors in dogs are often caused by stress, boredom and separation anxiety. Many of these unwanted behaviors (such as barking, chewing on furniture or urinating inside when you’re away) can often be solved by offering your dog outlets for his or her frustration, stress and anxiety. These can include chew toys that dispense treats, a crate in which he or she can curl up to feel safe, a pet cam that allows you to speak to your dog remotely or blocking your dog’s view of the street and distractions that may cause him or her to bark. Here are a few tips on how to apply dog behavior training for other issues.
1.Excessive barking or whining
Barking is a natural, enjoyable thing for your dog to do, and in certain situations it poses no problem. After all, if your dog barks when someone is at the door, he or she is doing what nature intended for him to do – alert the pack to danger. But some dogs bark or whine excessively and for apparently no reason, even when their owners are home. It may help to teach your dog to ‘speak’ and ‘be quiet’. Instead of yelling at your dog in an effort to get him to stop barking, say ‘speak’ instead and then reward him with praise or a treat. When your dog is quiet (you could do this exercise while he is eating and prevented from barking), say ‘quiet’ and then reward him again. This may take some time to be successful, but it should be effective in culling excessive barking.
2. Begging
This behavior is by far easier to prevent than modify, so if you have a young puppy you should take preemptive measures and crate him while your family is having meals to prevent the behavior from forming. If your dog is already a beggar, the crate and a strong chew toy are also the best option. Steel yourself for some barking and whining at first, and never let him out until you are done eating. As your dog adjusts to the new situation, he should calm down and let you eat in peace.
3. Digging
Just like barking, digging is a natural behavior that most dogs enjoy partaking in. Instead of punishing your dog for digging in the garden, find a spot that is acceptable for him to dig in or invest in a sandbox that your dog will be allowed to dig in. You can even bury some of his favorite toys and make it a game, praising him when he finds one. It is your responsibility to supervise your dog while he is digging to make sure that he does not expand on his digging ground. If your dog is digging inside and destroying your carpets, he’s probably doing it out of boredom. Either take him to his outside digging spot or confine him to a crate with plenty of attractive chew toys.
Summary
Good dog behavior training is an essential part of raising a puppy, but it is just as important for adult dogs to keep their behaviors acceptable. Don’t forget that new behaviors can surface at any moment and can be caused by a variety of triggers. Finding the trigger can often help solve the problem, but good dog behavior training is the key to preventing new undesirable behaviors from taking hold and having a strong, long-lasting relationship with your pet.
