Bad Dog Behavior can almost always be changed with love and praise – at the right time

In part one of this series on correcting dog behavior we discussed some of the reasons your dog might be misbehaving. In part two, we looked at the role of the alpha in correcting dog behavior problems. In this article, we’ll look at a dog’s primary motivation that can be used to stop bad dog behavior.

One aspect of a dog’s motivation has already been discussed. A dog wants his basic needs to be fulfilled. He loves to play and receive treats, and will work with you willingly if you give him those things. Not only is he getting exercise and food, he is earning them. Your dog will enjoy having to work for his rewards. This is both stimulating and instinctual for your dogs. Remember that in the wild, dogs and wolves had to hunt for their food.

Your dog needs social acceptance and love

What motivates a domesticated dog most though is social acceptance and love. Your dog wants to be accepted within the pack. He wants to know his place and peacefully fit into it. Most of all, he wants your love. As social animals, dogs need to be loved. They crave your affection and will do anything to please you.

A dog’s need for affection is a powerful tool for owners. That’s why praise is the most effective reward for any wanted behavior and ignoring your dog is the worst punishment. If a dog’s behavior is unwanted, avoid giving him affection while he is still engaging in that behavior. If you show a dog love while he is behaving badly, the behavior will become reinforced in his mind.

On the other hand, if you withhold affection until he is responding as you want him to, he will learn much more quickly what you want and don’t want him to do. And if he can get your affection and love by a certain behavior – or by avoiding a certain behavior, she’ll do it. She will naturally do what makes you happy.

The best example that this works is the strategy to use if your dog jumps up on you. Don’t scold – just turn your back and ignore her. Once she’s settled down, give lots of praise. You’ll be amazed at how quickly she’ll learn not to jump. All because you withheld attention until she got down.

Your dog has to respect you

As a pack leader, you will occasionally need to correct your dog for breaking a rule. But that doesn’t mean punishment or cruelty. Most of the time a verbal cue will be enough. A sharp “no!” or a clap of the hands can let your dog know you are unhappy with him. Never be violent or aggressive. You run the risk of making your dog fearful, or of teaching him that aggression is okay. You can still get his respect – in fact you must have his respect – through consistent correction and not punishment

Make sure you only use a correction if you catch your dog in the act. Correcting after-the-fact will only confuse him – it’s likely that he won’t understand why he’s in trouble. He will only associate the correction with the unwanted behavior if you stop him while he is doing it.

You should also be sure to follow a correction with praise if your dog stops the unwanted behavior and begins behaving as you want him to. This positive reinforcement will help solidify the positive behavior in his mind and will ultimately make your corrections more effective.

Correcting bad dog behavior can be challenging. However, by understanding what your dog needs and by being consistent with corrections and generous with praise almost all dogs can be molded into well behaved citizens!

If you're interested in following a positive reinforcement obedience training approach, we recommend this dog training resource.

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