Does your dog chew your favorite shoes? Jump up on guests? Bark at the cat? Most people spend a lot of time yelling at their dog – or doing worse – to stop him. They believe their corrections will end the problem. But they never do. Though a sharp NO might interrupt your dog temporarily, it’s also likely to encourage more of the unwanted behavior. Why? When he does the thing you hate, it gets your attention – which is something he really wants. Your correction is strongly reinforcing.
Dogs discover what “works” for them very quickly. For example, say your dog goes for a shoe your child accidentally left on the floor. The first time he does this, it’s likely because the shoe smells like someone he loves, and he needs to chew.
- If you respond to him – even angrily – he learns that he gets your attention when he chews shoes. He is now much more likely to go for shoes in the future, because he has learned a big reason for doing it. You notice! THIS SHOE MUST BE MAGIC! DAD COMES RIGHT OVER TO ME WHEN I HAVE IT!
- But why would he want to do something that makes you angry? Because an angry owner is better than an owner who isn’t paying attention to him. He may even think your angry yell is really play barking. DAD GETS SO EXCITED WHEN I DO THIS! WHEE!
What’s the solution? The next time you catch your dog chewing a shoe, ignore him. Don’t make any fuss at all, and don’t even look at him. Instead, get up and walk away. Go to the next room, and pretend to have a party – by yourself! Sing, dance, laugh. Dogs love fun, so he’s likely to drop the shoe and run to you to see what’s going on. When he does, praise him to the skies. GOOD BOY FOR COMING TO SEE ME! If you have treats in your pocket – as you should – give him some. He has been rewarded for coming to you, and he has forgotten all about the shoe. That’s a double bonus. Now you can quietly move your shoe out of harm’s way. He’ll only remember the treats and praise you gave him.
The takeaway? Your attention – whether positive or negative – makes the problem you’re trying to solve worse. So if you want a behavior to stop, don’t reward it. Instead, reward behaviors that you like, all through the day. Take the time to notice offered skills like sit, down, and even tricks. When you do, it gives your dog a way to please you, and gets you out of the punishment game. It gives you a much a better way to communicate with your dog, too. “Rover, roll over!” sure beats “Rover, drop the remote control!” Your relationship with him will improve dramatically.
- DO prevent problems with barriers such as crates, gates, and tethers.
- DO allow your dog access to rooms and spaces you have dog-proofed. Put away your shoes. Take food off the counters. It’s your job to take away irresistible temptations.
- DO spend time teaching your buddy skills you prefer – like relax on your mat, kennel up, roll over, or do a jig. If you do, and you reward him well with treats and praise when he does those things, he’ll start offering those behaviors to get your attention. He may even show off a little. The “naughty” behaviors will become history.
For more information on these topics, contact us: info@spry.dog
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.