Understanding & Correcting Unwelcome Doggie Behavior

When your dog behaves in a manner that is not acceptable, it is time to diagnose the problem and deal with it in a calm and reassuring manner. Bad behavior will generally escalate over time and become extremely difficult to correct. The solution? Get to know your dog thoroughly and be aware. Remember that the completion of a bad behavior is in itself a reward. Why did your best friend relieve himself on your new carpet? Simple. It felt good. Why does your precious pet jump on all your friends? Because he wants to be a part of the party.

When you begin to housebreak your new puppy or dog, one good option to try first is crating. Dogs actually prefer dens or areas that are confinedhe just may not realize it yet. Put something into the crate that your dog really likesa special treat or toy. Eventually the whining will stop and he will become quite comfortable. If he does have an accident in the house, no punishment allowed! Move on and do not display negative behavior. Just love your little guy and remember he needs your affection above all else. Your best friend also needs to be taken outside frequently. If you have a fenced back yard, terrific. If not, talk him on walks with youyou will both benefit from the exercise and he will appreciate being praised when he does his business out doors.

Your dog loves to be excited! He hears your guests arriving before you do and this perks his interest immediately. When they ring your doorbell, the excitement level rises. And when your friends enter your house, your dog naturally wants to jump about and bark because he is now so excited he cannot contain himself. This is all normal. However, your guests are not impressed and you need to correct this behavior. First of all, when you know you have friends arriving, do not allow your dog to be loose in your home. And gently instruct him that he will be wearing a collar and leash at all times while your company is there. Your guests will be appreciative and eventually your dog will calm down and become a loving, quiet companion.

Separation anxiety can become a full-blown major issue if you do not take steps to correct the problem. The situation arises simply because your dog does not want to be left alone. He will begin with pacing and then couple that with whining and even barking. If left untreated, he may begin to even scratch at the front door or chew and tear on items in your home. It can even escalate to him chewing on himself. Again, the response is simpleput him in an enclosed area, such as a crate, with his favorite toys and treats. This will eliminate a great deal of the stress and anxiety that your poor little guy has been feeling.

Dogs exploring trashcans seems to be the norm in many households. But this behavior is not acceptable. This is a fairly simple problem to correct. Everyone in the household needs to follow a game plan for changing this behavior. The first thing to do is simply state firmly, “No” when this occurs. Timing here is crucial. He does not need to be corrected for getting near the trashcan or eating the contents of it. He needs to be corrected for getting “into” the trash. And never allow him access to the trash when you are not at home.

Looking for excitement is as normal to your dog as breathing. And one of the things that excites him is rushing through the open door to play with the dog next door or just to say “hi” to the neighbors. This behavior can easily lead to tragedy. For the health and safety of your dog, he must be taught the COME and STAY commands. This will give you control over his actions and correct the unwanted behavior. Another option is to never allow your dog to be in that situation at all. Simply do not allow him to be loose in the house when a door is open. If he is very excitable and capable of rushing past you, make sure he is on a leash until he is completely trained.

Tagged with: Dog Behavior

Filed under: Dog Behavior

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