Many dog owners are faced with bad behavior in their dogs, and if you're facing dog behavioral problems, it's advisable to act immediately. If bad dog behavior is allowed to continue, you may end up with a a bigger dog and bigger problems on your hands. Thankfully, there are many simple techniques to implement change in dog behavior issues in a humane and loving way.
Dog behavioral problems can run the gamut from funny, but annoying pet-peeve problems, to full fledged dangerous issues such as a dog attack. Although there are various causes of behavioral problems, the solutions are pretty consistent. The old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," isn't an excuse and with consistent training, you can address dog behavior problems. Let's look at a few really easy dog training tips.
1. Stick to It.
This is the absolute key when training any pet. You may be tempted to let them slide every once in awhile, but this will only serve to hamper your training. Be sure to follow through with praise as well as with discipline and your dog will begin to see that you are absolutely the pack leader.
2. Rewards are Integral to Success.
While many older dog training techniques, like putting your dog's nose in their mess, may seem initially effective, they may actually cause more issues later on. Positive reinforcement helps your dog relate good behavior with good rewards, and is a very effective means of tackling even the toughest dog behavior problems.
In brief, reinforcing good behavior means that you reward a dog when he or she does what you are training him or her to do, and deny the reward when they don't. Even the most stubborn dog will begin to respond to these strategies, when they are applied habitually.
3. Introduce a Crate.
One of the simplest ways to put an end to destructive behavior is to provide your dog with clear cut boundaries. Crating them while you are gone, or when you need some space is an effective and humane training aid. You may need to introduce them to the crate slowly, and give them time to get used to being confined. Remember, be consistent and reward them for good behavior in their crate. A crate should never be used as a punishment device, only as a quiet place for them to go and be at ease.
4. A last piece of advice for you and especially your immediate family members.
Once the dog behavioral problems are addressed, and the corrective training has started, it is imperative everyone addressing the dog use the same-exact training commands and positive reinforcement. Everyone must be consistent in the handling of the dog. If not, your poor pet will become very frustrated and may misbehave even more than before the positive reinforcement training was begun.
This system of approaching your pet will result in effectively remediating your dog behavioral issues, without causing your pet harm or severing the relationship between you and your pet. You'll notice your pooch rewards you with a new, loving attitude, and a healthy respect, not out of fear but out of love. Use this approach when you want to erradicate dog behavioral problems for good.
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