Dog bad behavior Habits correction training.

Problematic behavioral conduct of dogs

Certain behaviors or habits are problems and need correction. Often they can be solved simply by trying to find out what is the dog is trying to get by behaving in such a way and making sure the dog will stop getting it. It is the method contrary to the punishment that is almost always not very recommendable training.

Dog jumping on people

Why does a dog jump on people? For the dog, this represents a friendly gesture. It is just trying to get closer to your face.

Prevention. Teach the puppy to greet sit or bringing you a toy. Never pay the least attention to the dog when it jumps on you or any other person, because this is precisely what it is looking for.

Evasion. Ask your visitors to turn their backs and ignore the adult dog if it does it. Pay attention to the animal and pet it only when it has the four paws in contact with the floor or is sitting.

Dog SEARCHING in THE GARBAGE

Why are dogs so attracted to garbage? In their natural environment, canines get fed mostly from dead animal's bodies or hunting leftovers left by other predators. It is then, an instinctive behavior.

Prevention. Never leave food there, especially if you can watch the dog. It will be enough if it gets a little bite of it for the dog to feel happy and try to get some more.

Extinction. If your dog has already gotten this bad habit, teach to let go of what it has in its mouth when you demand it.

Dog DEFENDING ITS FOOD

Why the dog does watch its bowl as if someone were trying to steal it? The spirit of the canine law is the possession; if it has it, then it has the right to defend its possession.

Prevention. Get your dog used to eating in front of you since they're very young. Drop from time to time, one extra treat in the bowl so the dog can see that it is you who is providing the food and someone who can steal it.

Extinction. The solution will depend on the degree of aggression the dog shows. If standing next to the feeder is enough for the dog to growl, avoid getting close and ask an expert. If on the contrary, the dog shows distrust only if you get close to the bowl instead of presenting it full, you can place it on the floor empty and drop the food by spoons, not dropping one until the previous one is already finished. This will state in a very clear way that it is you who provides the food and not someone that is trying to steal it and the animal will relax.

PULLING THE Dog leash & lead TOO HARD

Why the dog does stretch the lead that much when walking out? It may be that the dog is trying to lead to show that it is in charge (the leader of the packs is always in front in the hunting journeys). However, it can simply be because the dog gets a reward out of this; it will get to park faster and as soon as it arrives, you let it go to rest.

Prevention. From the very first day, never let the puppy to stretch the lead. If it does it, stop and don't walk until it stops and the lead is back on the initial position. Reward it by walking again or giving it something every time it walks properly.

Extinction. If the habit is profoundly rooted, you will need more time and effort. Is it clear for your dog that you are the leader of the pack? It may be helpful to get your dog a collar with muzzle or a control harness.

GETTING CRAZY WITH VISITORS. Dog response between owner and strangers.

Why is does your dog get so excited when visitors arrive? How to stop a dog from jumping on visitors? This attitude allowed the dog to be the center of attention. What to do with dog aggressive to stranger?

Prevention. Teach the puppy to be calmed and quiet when the visitors arrive. Give the dog a chewer and a special toy when you don't want to pay attention to it, so it will be entertained. Invite as many people as you can to your house when the dog is still very young to practice the "quiet greeting".

Extinction. Practice the "quiet greeting" with the people the dog is already familiar with (even the family members) at the door. Teach the dog to sit away from the door, carefully opening and closing it if it tries to get through and reward the dog when it remains in the indicated place.

When the real visitors arrive, ask them to ignore the dog, if you can and offer it a toy or a chewer the dog really likes to keep it busy. If, instead of showing excited the dog shows itself distrustful or aggressive, ask for the help to a specialist in canine conduct.

WHEN DO YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR HELP? If you teach your dog to behave when it is still a puppy, you can avoid many undesired conducts in the future. Dog behavior towards strangers is hard to change. However, even the better trained dogs can develop habits that the most tolerant of owners will consider annoying and inappropriate. Ask for professional advice to the veterinary, a canine training association or a canine conduct expert if you have the impression that you are not always capable to control your dog or if the dog insists on doing something you consider unacceptable.