Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior
Kevin Simmons
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior
modification techniques at one time or another when training
their prized pet. If you are able to ‘get’ why your dog does what
he does, when he does it, you are one step closer to solving the
problem. This article will detail ten ways of doing just that, in
a general fashion that can be used for a wide variety of issues.
Dog Training Tip #1: It’s All about Control
Let your dog know who is in charge, and you’ve alleviated a lot
of problems. It’s not about fighting for control, it’s about
knowing who has it. So when it’s time to train your dog, put on
his training collar so he’s fully aware of what time it is.
Alternatively, use a leash when walking your dog, so that he
knows who is boss all of the time.
Dog Training Tip #2: Reframe the Negative
Instead of telling your dog, “NO!” for something bad he’s done,
try and reframe the negative into something positive instead. For
instance, if your dog decided to run after a chipmunk running
across your lawn, try, “Sit” instead of whatever you’d normally
use. Now you can praise him as well for his good behavior,
instead of yelling at him because he didn’t stop.
Dog Training Tip #3: Allow for Differences in Perception
Your dog may not think that digging is a bad behavior, but you
and your garden probably do. Instead of getting upset, why not
provide your dog with adequate digging space elsewhere, complete
with buried treasures? Then, you can do the same as dog training
tip number two, and provide positive feedback when he digs in the
allotted space, and not in your flower garden.
Dog Training Tip #4:
Make Sure the Whole Household Acts Consistently When you are
training your dog, make sure that everyone in the house knows
what you are doing, and how to provide supportive measures when
needed. That means that if you are teaching the word sit, then
everyone in the house should know what to do, when to do it, and
why if a behavior presents itself where the command should be
used.
Dog Training Tip #5: Keep Moving!
Many behavioral issues with dogs lie behind the fact that they
don’t get out enough for a long walk or run. Make sure to take
them out on a regular basis (daily, if at all possible) to
somewhere new that he can explore on his own time.
Dog Training Tip #6: Keep it Simple
The more clear you are with your dog while training him, the
better off everyone will be. Show your dog what you are asking
him to do, instead of just telling him. Give the command at the
same time while you show him (gently, of course) and ensure that
your body language matches your words.
(c) 2005 www.dog-training-info.com
Kevin Simmons
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