How to Prevent Problem Dog Behaviors

These common Dog behavior problems happen to These are all self rewarding behaviors, meaning when your dog gets to what they want while performing these behaviors they are rewarded. In other words it makes them want to do it more. With redirection, clear communication and guidance we can ask our dog for an alternative behavior in which they get rewarded for.   Below you will learn How to Prevent Problem Dog Behaviors.

Barking 

Teach quiet cue: Start inside the house and build on distractions. When your dog is barking, say “quiet” when they stop barking (even for a second) say “yes” (reward if you want). Repeat as needed. Timing is critical for this to work.

Ignore the behavior : No Talking, Touching or Looking. This is very difficult to do but can work.

Management: Manage the behavior by evaluating who, what and why they are barking. From there you can determine how to manage the environment the best. Maybe they are bore> Try some enrichment. Have them medical check for any issues unseen to the normal eye. Are they afraid of a noise you cannot hear (fridge running?) or is it making them anxious? Take the time to figure out what is happening to best help your dog.

Jumping 

Make sit happen : When your dog jumps up as for a sit when they are sitting, a calming pet. If they jump up step in their space until they are off and ask again for a sit, repeat as long as it takes

Park the Dog : Physically stop your dog from jumping by stepping on their leash, only allowing enough leash for them to stand but not Jump. This will self correct the dog from jumping.

DO NOT Talk, Touch or Look at your dog when they jump (same to anyone they jump on) when you do you are positively reinforcing the bad behavior. Ignore your dog and if they are so not responding, leash (if not already) and lead out of room to time out in crate or pen.  

Off hand signal: Taking your hand and going from left to right hip (or vice versa). You can say “off” if you want.

Leash Pulling 

Teach a loose leash walking: Mark and reward for loose leash, stop, correct and redirect for pulling. Pulling is self rewarding so stop allowing it to happen.

Engagement on walks: Avoid using headphones or being on your phone. Keep your attention on your dog really observe and be in the moment with your dog. Work on Name Game (Focus) and Targeting (Touch) when walking.

**If none of these work in this case you need to re-evaluate why your dog is pulling, tools being used and seek professional help. **

Chewing & Mouthing 

Ways to Inhibit the Behavior: 

Freezing. Don’t move, Don’t respond, Don’t talk to your puppy. Doing nothing does in fact stop bad behaviors. Behavior is driven by consequences. For this reason dogs only do what works for them. By responding to them biting at all by moving your hands/arms or legs (whatever he has in his mouth)  they will keep biting you. 

Under 3 months old puppies respond to high pitch noise. They should stop biting you. Consequently this noise can cause your puppy to be more excited and mouth harder. Overall freezing and management are the best methods to use.

Puppies 3 months and older and the ones who ignore the freeze, tell them “eh, eh” and stare at them briefly when they bite then stand up. To summarize if they do not stop, move out of the room for a short time, Then start the whole process again,

Given these points if you are struggling with any problem behaviors please contact me today. So we can work to Prevent Problem Dog Behaviors