Action vs Reaction

 

It is easy to spend your time reacting to your dog's unwanted behavior. For   Example...

·         Yelling "No!" after he has tipped over the trash

·         Calling "Come here, boy" after he sprints out the door

·         Commanding "Off, off, off" after the dog's paws are up around your   shoulders

After is too late.

You need to anticipate your dog's behavior and take action accordingly. Your   puppy is predictable. You know that he will jump on guests, pull you out the   door and try to steal the cat food. This is not news. That being the case, why   not make a plan for success?

Train your puppy.  There are common behaviors that puppies exhibit and will continue exhibiting throughout their lives if they are not taught differently.  Learn about these common behaviors and how to teach a puppy about them and what you expect instead.

There are also common reactions from humans in response to common puppy  behaviors.  Train yourself in how to respond when you see your dog/puppy doing something you don’t want, always remembering that (especially in a younger dog) that behavior is most likely normal and not your dog being “bad”.

Are you part of the problem?

Before you blame your dog for his behavior, take a close look at your own.   What he learns is up to you. How he behaves is up to you. If you want him to   change his behavior, you will have to change yours first. Over the   years, I have noticed a few common mistakes people make with their dogs. These   mistakes often lead to problem behavior. Let's look at some of these before we   start trying to work with the dog. Have you:

Been over emotional?

I remind clients all the time to relax. Housebreaking mistakes or jumping up   may be annoying but they aren't felonies. Take a breath. To teach you need to be   calm, relaxed, enthused, and clear. If you're not, don't expect the dog to   respond the way you want. Yelling, screaming, and hitting are not helpful. They   invariably make matters worse, adding new problems to the list you already have.   Dogs may respond temporarily out of surprise, intimidation, or fear, but they   have not been taught exactly what you want so they will make the mistake again.

Been inconsistent?

How can you expect consistency from your dog, if you can't get it from   yourself? Are you consistent about your word usage or are you a bit casual?   Maybe giving the command "sit" one time, "sit down" the next? How about your   expectations? You say sit and he lies down but you let it slide? How about your   praise? When he grabs his leash and tugs on Saturday morning you laugh but when   he does it on Monday morning you get annoyed? Do you praise your dog when he   does listen? Your dog will never know what you want without praise. Decide which   behaviors you want and which you don't want and then stick to that decision. If   you do your part, he'll do his.

Been exercising him enough?

If your dog is behaving poorly, up his exercise. This is especially true for   Sporting, Terrier and Nordic breeds and mixes (Nordic includes the sled dogs:   Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds). Many dogs need an hour or more of hard running a   day to behave like civilized pets.

Been complaining more than practicing?

It's easy to complain about your dog. It is much harder to take action.   Training is not magic. It takes work. Dog training is wonderful. Work effectively with the dog and he'll improve. If you're working frequently but not seeing the desired results, question your methods, not your dog’s abilities.

Misinterpreting his actions?

Be absolutely sure you understand why he is doing something before you try to   change his behavior. Once I walked into a home and the unneutered male Yorkie   immediately clamped onto my leg, humping madly. The owner cooed "Oh, isn't that   sweet? He's hugging you." This is not an affectionate gesture. It is an   extremely assertive act, especially to a stranger, and points to serious   aggression present or brewing.

Here are some behaviors that are commonly misinterpreted.

Submissive wetting

Dog means: So sorry. Owner thinks: "Spiteful!"

Growling

Dog means: Back off. Owner thinks: "He's talking" or "He doesn't really mean it."

Pulling on lead

Dog means: Let me get away from this choking feeling. Owner thinks: "He must be stupid if he's choking himself like that."

Chewing your favorite pair of shoes

Dog means: I'm frightened. This smells good, like my owner. Owner   thinks: "He's getting me back for leaving him "alone."

Repeating Yourself?

If you repeat commands, you are begging to be ignored. Obedience on the first   command is not optional. It may save his life and it will certainly simplify   yours. Give the command once. Enforce it immediately. Praise him right away.

Bored?

If you are bored, surely your dog will be. You set the tone for your dog.   Having fun is not just a nice idea, it's necessary. Praise him, surprise him,  enjoy yourself! Both dogs and people learn quickly when the teaching is fun!