Here’s the bottom line when it comes to your dog’s behavior: If your dog is misbehaving, then chances are, you are misbehaving as your dog’s leader.
Dog owners miss many opportunities to train themselves when it comes to being a better leader for their canine companion. One of your best tools for training yourself is standing right in front of you, with a happy smile, loving heart, and wagging tail. Let your dog help you help him. Then watch your interaction with your dog become collaborative and cooperative. No more misbehaving for either of you!
It’s important to recognize when your actions cause unwanted responses from your dog and react accordingly to avoid forming unwanted habits. For example, if your pup picks an object up that you don’t want him to have, be aware of how you feel and act. You may naturally become anxious, frustrated, or angry. Your instinct will be to move quickly toward your dog to take the item away. He’s not supposed to have that! Your energy and your actions will influence your dog’s behavior. In this instance, he may think you are inviting him to a game of “catch me if you can,” and every time you move toward your pup, he runs out of reach. Your behavior is causing his ‘run-away’ reaction.
Another common challenge occurs when you arrive home after being away from the house. Your dog will be excited to see you and will greet you with an abundance of energy and joy. He jumps, barks, runs circles around you, and sprints off to get his toy so you can play. You are just as happy to see them as they are to see you! Nothing wrong with that, right? Right. That’s why you got a dog in the first place! However, when company comes over, or you invite guests into your home, it’s not appropriate behavior, and all of a sudden you are apologizing and making excuses for your dog.
This is why you need to be conscious of what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. The fact is that you have unintentionally trained your dog to behave in such a manner. Furthermore, he now believes he’s in control of these situations when they happen!
Take back control of his behavior by controlling yours. When it comes to having your dog relinquish something you don’t want him to have, be calm instead of anxious or frustrated. Let him come to you using familiar commands and encouraging actions. Then watch your dog transform from excitedly keeping away from you to happily wanting to show you what he discovered. Similarly, coming into the house after being away for a while is the perfect opportunity to train social etiquette. Teach your pooch to sit calmly, accept praise with all four paws on the floor. Train him to go to a “spot/place”, and wait for you to get settled and situated so you can give the desired amount of attention. You want your dog to show self-restraint, impulse control, and respect boundaries. You need to train that behavior before the introduction of distractions (company, guests, or the grabbing of unwanted items).
Repetition and reward can be yours and your dog’s best friend when it comes to reinforcing good behaviors. Reward your pooch after you get the object from him. Praise him after he has calmly waited for you to enter the house and get settled. Verbal rewards or his favorite tidbit will go a long way to having the same results if or when a similar situation should arise. This way, you become the reward and are rewarded with a dog that exhibits obedience and social etiquette! If you do not address your dog’s unwanted behavior appropriately by changing your approach, then undesirable habits will form with your pooch. Remember to be conscious of the fact that you need to adapt and learn as much as your dog does when it comes to obedience and training.
Good human!
Collaborating with your canine companion through training will result in a strong bond and deep understanding between you!
We can refine your dog’s performance and help you learn to be aware of the behavioral triggers you would need to address in both yourself and your dog. Our complimentary consultation is a great way to start! Connect with us to begin understanding how you can be a better leader for your canine companion! https://
