There are many times a person can be so busy and only see the undesirable behaviors their dog is doing. The jumping, barking, chewing, digging and the list can go on. These are all behaviors that need to be worked on for a dog to become better. These behaviors could be from boredom or excitement but they get noticed. You are feeling so frustrated and no matter what you have tried it is failing. In many situations I would train the dog to do an alternative behavior.
What does get overlooked many times, is when the dog is being a good dog. The dog is just relaxing and all calm but it is overlooked because no one takes the time to let the dog know they really like this.
You know those moments you are busy in the kitchen and your dog is just relaxing. That is a great time to say “Good Dog”. Those moments you get to actually sit down from a busy day and your dog settles down with you. Those are good moments too. These are moment’s you really like and wish your dog would do more often.
Moment’s like these do get overlooked and when you let your dog know, that you really like the behavior you are reinforcing the behavior.
Behavior’s that are rewarded even with a good petting help’s the dog to learn that is what you really like.
Try to remember to not overlook those good behaviors and seek for help with the undesirable behaviors. There really is help if you are committed to training your dog.
Just remember that last time someone told you, that you did a really great job. It felt good and you tried to continue doing a good job.
Reward the good behaviors!
Mecca Curtice, CCDT, CTDI
Behavior Specialist
Sheboygan, WI.
© 2020 Mecca Curtice, Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.
