Whenever our dogs do something we don't want them to do, the first thing we say is, "No! No!" But when your dog makes a mistake, should you correct your dog?
First, don't just say "no," even if you say it clearly. You risk damaging your relationship with your dog if you use intimidation to correct your dog. Finally, telling/yelling "no" doesn't give your dog guidance; it doesn't mean your dog knows what's appropriate behavior. It takes time and energy, but setting clear boundaries for your dog means a better relationship.
Start with a lot of management
Prevention is called "management" in dog training. It involves preventing your dog from engaging in unwanted behaviors that you would prefer to stop.
For example, if you notice your dog chewing on your shoes or jumping on your children, the first step is to find a way to stop the behavior. Do this until you can teach him how to behave differently. This may require some creativity, or at the very least, putting your shoes away. Use crates, baby gates, window blockers, and leashes.
Holding a toy in your hand while petting your puppy can help prevent biting. A visual barrier may be necessary if your dog frequently barks at what they see outside the window.
Remove the reinforcements
When a dog does something we don't want them to do, there's usually a reason. If this indicates typical dog behavior, we need to find other ways to deal with it. Fear is a common factor in unwanted dog behavior.
Dogs do things that humans don't like, like jumping on us. But these actions can also be a way for dogs to express their frustration or fear.
Try to understand why your dog behaves this way. Do you notice your dog jumping up on you when someone comes in? Is a trip outside a great way to relieve boredom? Is a game around the house enough to distract your dog?
Interrupt positively
Should we never say no to our dogs? Of course we can. But it's crucial to set boundaries and limits (physical and behavioral) for ourselves and our dogs. Stopping your dog from doing something dangerous or unpleasant is, of course, always a good thing.
What matters most is how you decide to stop him. Clear and consistent feedback is the foundation for a good relationship. For example: Your dog is considering jumping on the couch, and you don't want him to. Instead, you can calmly and repeatedly direct him to his bed or crate to rest/sleep.
Chewing
Make sure your puppy or dog has plenty of safe chew toys. To prevent your favorite shoes from being chewed, put your belongings away and keep chew toys readily available. Don't forget to reward your pet for a job well done. Especially in the beginning, you can't reward them too often with treats (or your own kibble).
Another tip is to schedule thirty minutes of exercise. This is great for your pet's physical and mental well-being, and it's easy to incorporate a puzzle toy into their daily routine.
Redesigning your garden
To bury food or create a great place to rest in the summer, dogs enjoy digging in the ground with their paws. Allow puppies to explore in a designated "digging area." This helps your dog burn energy and reduce stress.
Make sure your dog doesn't dig elsewhere while you're out walking. This way, they understand that digging is only allowed in your garden, in the designated area. Structure and clarity are best for both you and your dog.
Socializing with dogs
To prevent confrontations between two dogs, dogs should never meet on a leash. Instead, if you have a puppy, find a fenced-in area where the puppies can play together.
Take your dog to a dog park where they can run around and socialize with other dogs. It's a good idea to ask your dog to sit before meeting a strange dog on the street. Once the introduction is complete, reward your dog for good behavior.
Eating from the counter
You can be sure your dog will stop sniffing the countertop once everything is cleared away. Since you don't want to play policeman all day, you'll need to train your dog to do this. Only reward your dog when he's standing on all fours. Do this primarily with very appealing-smelling treats. Think chicken, frikandel, sausage, or liverwurst (for dogs).
Now that you've learned some effective dog training tactics, make sure you have your dog's favorite treat on hand. This way, you won't have to correct your dog.
More information about dog habits, such as paw licking, can be found on this website. If you're having trouble housetraining your dog, check out our other posts.
Jumping
Dogs are known for their tendency to jump. Their mother's wagging tails and squeaky yelps excite puppies. When meeting new people, they might jump up. Your dog might also jump up when excited or hoping the other person has something to offer.
A dog that jumps everywhere can be a nuisance and even dangerous. There are several ways to prevent dogs from jumping, but not all methods are equally effective. Correcting your dog isn't the first step. The best way is to reward your dog when it stands on all fours. Another option is to put your dog on a leash indoors when a stranger comes in. Then reward it again when it doesn't jump but stands or lies on all fours.
Biting
One of the most common reasons dogs bite is to protect themselves from being bitten. Puppies nibble and bite to explore themselves. Puppies learn from their mothers not to bite too hard.
If a puppy continues to bite, it's time to correct your dog. It's important to note that dog bites can have many causes, not just puppy behavior. Biting or growling isn't always a sign of aggression.
Reward your puppy by giving him something when he chooses the toy instead of your hand or clothing. Distract him and make playtime more fun than letting him bite your hand. Reward him every time he chooses the toy.
