If you’re a dog parent, there are going to be times when your pup does something you don’t want them to. Take jumping, or mouthing, or approaching everyone you pass on a walk.
These aren’t things that make a dog ‘bad’, and your furry friend won’t understand that they’re doing something ‘wrong’ – so it’s up to us to guide them to alternatives, using the best dog treats at times!
Just trying to get your dog to stop doing something isn’t as likely to be effective, because they won’t know what they should be doing instead. In their eyes, what they’re doing is completely normal.
Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has explained what we can try in a new Instagram post, and her advice is definitely worth considering to help you and your dog live together in harmony.
“It’s unfair to get mad at your dog or punish them when they do not know what the right thing to do is,” begins Goodman, “Especially when they are doing normal dog behaviors. When your dog does something you don’t like, think about what you would like them to do instead, train that, and practice a lot to shape the new habit that you would prefer.”
Goodman advises anticipating when your dog is likely to do something undesirable and entering those situations prepared to train them. Once your dog understands what you’d like them to do, and the situation works out well for them too, your dog will want to know the new thing.
The example Goodman gives is of a dog – Freddy – that she’s been working with. Freddy’s family want him to relax when they watch TV, rather than jump on them and put his mouth on them. So, rather than simply trying to get him to stop, they began teaching him specific skills.
Don’t forget, too, that positive reinforcement is vital. There’s a lot of science behind positive reinforcement for dogs – it’s important not to punish them, as they just don’t understand. If your dog knows they’re going to get something they want, they’re much more likely to change their behavior.
If jumping up is the main issue you’re facing with your dog, however, this article might be useful: I tried everything to get my dog to stop jumping up, here’s what actually worked. If your dog’s younger, and likes to use their mouth, here’s how to stop a puppy biting, mouthing or nipping.
