Respond Quickly to Behavior Problems

 

When you discipline your dog, it's your personality and mind-set that helps to create the proper environment for instruction. Often a delayed response confuses your dog and leaves her with a sense of insecurity. As long as the correctional method you are using is not abusive, then time your reaction to the inappropriate behavior in a way as to stun the dog. Do not ever hit your dog because that will ultimately lead to aggressive and insecure behavior. Instead, use a quick sound or an assertive touch to quickly snap your dog out of unwanted behavior. It often works to curl your hand into a claw-like shape and quickly touch your dog on his neck or under his chin with your curled hand. The movement doesn't have to be forceful, but it does need to be quick and firm. You can also use a short one syllable sound to quicken your dog's response to your voice. The goal in responding quickly to your dog's behavior problem is to redirect his attention back toward you, his master. The timing of your correction is absolutely crucial! You can't wait even thirty seconds to correct your dog, or she will have already moved on to another function and goal. Her attention span is short, and her state of mind is in a constant state of flux. Corrections need to take place immediately following disappointing behavior. In addition, this quick response must be consistently enforced over time to send your dog the right message. Remember, you are the pack leader and your dog is looking to you for instruction and correction.

 

Reinforce Good Behavior

 

Many pack leaders choose to reward their dog with never-ending praise and affection. Obviously dogs respond to affirmation, but it has to been done in the right way and at the right time. If your dog is showing domination, seems anxious or possessive, or is whining and barking, don't give him a bunch of attentionand affection. He is trying to ensure that he still has some control in the situation. Any time you give your dog a pat, a hug, or a snuggle, you are reinforcing the behavior that preceded it. Guidelines, instruction, and restrictions are what stop a dog's unwanted behavior. Affection does not. Loving praise should be used when your dog has shown to be obedient and responsive to how you want him to behave. Specifically, do not give your dog an abundance of attention when you first get up, return from work or errands, or enter the room. In order to reinforce good behavior, save these times of praise and affection for situations when your dog will be submissive and in a subdued mindset.