How to Correct Unwanted Behaviours in a Dog: Tips and Strategies
It goes without saying that, as dog owners, we all love our furry friends. However, even the happiest owner would admit that their dog sometimes exhibits unwanted behaviours that can cause frustration and stress. The good news is that it’s possible to correct these unwanted behaviours with patience, consistency, positive reinforcement, and of course, time. In this article, we will provide tips and strategies to help correct unwanted behaviours in your dog.
Understanding Your Dog and Their Behaviour
Before you can begin correcting your dog’s unwanted behaviours, it’s essential to understand why they are doing what they’re doing. Dogs, like humans, have their own unique personalities, and unsavoury behaviours may be perfectly normal for some breeds. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for dogs to exhibit these behaviours due to boredom, anxiety, or fear. Understanding the root cause of your dog’s behaviour is the first step in correcting it.
Recognising Unwanted Behaviours
The first step in correcting unwanted behaviours in a dog is to recognise them. Common examples include:
- Excessive barking
- Jumping on people
- Chewing furniture or other items
- Aggressive behaviour towards people or other animals
- Digging holes in the yard
- Pulling on the leash during walks
Identifying the Cause of the Behaviour
Once you have recognised the unwanted behaviour, it’s important to identify the cause. Is your dog bored, anxious, or scared? Is there an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed? Once you have identified the reason, you can begin to address the issue at hand.
Strategies for Correcting Unwanted Behaviours
Positive Reinforcement
One of the most effective strategies for correcting unwanted behaviours in dogs is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for exhibiting desirable behaviours. This can be done using treats, toys, or verbal praise.
Consistency
Consistency is critical when it comes to correcting unwanted behaviours in dogs. It’s important to set clear boundaries and rules for your dog and consistently enforce them. If your dog is not allowed on the furniture, ensure they understand that and implement the rule every time.
Redirecting Behaviour
Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply correct unwanted behaviours. Instead, you may need to redirect your dog’s behaviour to something more desirable. For example, if your dog is chewing on the furniture, give them a chew toy instead.
Training and Socialisation
Training and socialisation are essential for correcting unwanted behaviours in dogs. Enrolling your dog in obedience classes or working with a professional dog trainer can help you with dog behavioural correction, whilst also teaching your pet new skills. Additionally, socialising your dog with other dogs and people can help them become more comfortable and less anxious in social situations.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Many unwanted behaviours in dogs are caused by boredom or lack of mental stimulation. Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent undesirable behaviours from occurring in the first place. Take your dog for daily walks, provide them with toys, and play with them. This is a great strategy to control excessive barking and many other bad dog behaviours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to correct unwanted behaviours in a dog?
The amount of time it takes to correct unwelcome behaviours in a dog can vary depending on the behaviour and the individual dog. Some dogs may respond quickly to training and positive reinforcement, while others may require more time and patience. Consistency is key, and it’s important to remember that progress may be slow at times. It’s also important to be realistic in your expectations and understand that some behaviours may not be eliminated.
Is punishment an effective way to correct unwanted behaviours in dogs?
Punishment is not an effective way to correct the behaviour of your dog. Punishing them can worsen the behaviour, as the dog may become anxious or fearful. Additionally, punishment can damage the relationship between the dog and the owner. As previously mentioned, positive reinforcement, consistency, and redirection are more effective strategies for correcting displeasing behaviours.
Can I correct unwanted behaviours in an older dog?
Yes, it is possible to correct unwanted behaviours in older dogs. While it may take more time and patience, older dogs can still learn and respond to positive reinforcement. However, it’s important to understand that some behaviours may be more challenging to correct.
Should I consult a professional to help correct unwanted behaviours in my dog?
If you have difficulty correcting the general behaviour of your dog, consult a professional. A professional dog trainer or behaviourist can provide you with personalised guidance and support in addressing how your dog is acting. Additionally, a professional can help you identify any underlying medical issues contributing to the behaviour.
What should I do if my dog’s behaviour is causing harm to others?
If your dog’s undesirable behaviour is causing harm to others, it’s important to seek professional help for aggressive dog training immediately. A professional can help you address the behaviour and provide guidance on keeping everyone safe in the meantime. In some cases, it may be necessary to separate the dog from others until the behaviour can be addressed.
It’s important to identify your dog’s behaviour early before it gets out of control. Contact Allbreeds today for all your dog behaviour correction training needs.