5 Ways to Correct Bad Behavior in Dogs

Dogs can be wonderful pets and companions, but without proper training, certain behaviors can become problematic over time. Enrolling your dog in obedience training and socialization classes is beneficial, but there are many techniques you can use on your own to prevent unwanted chewing, control dog’s barking, and discourage begging at the dinner table. Here are some of the most common dog behavior problems and ways you can help correct them.

1. Jumping

It’s common for dogs to get overexcited and jump on people during an initial greeting. If your dog jumps up on you, turn away and don’t give it any attention until it calms down and has its front paws on the ground. You can also train your dog to “sit” or “wait” when guests arrive or when meeting people on a walk. A baby gate or leash is another option to prevent jumping on guests. Don’t remove the gate or leash until your pup has calmed down.

2. Digging

If you catch your dog digging in your yard, give a clear “no” while in the act. Then, distract your dog with a toy or another activity. Dogs often dig in the same spot over and over. Some ways to prevent this is to add a barrier to that area, such as a small fence, rocks buried under the digging area, or a scent that is unpleasant to dogs, such as vinegar, cayenne, or citrus.

3. Barking

To discourage unwanted barking from your dog, divert its attention and give it something else to do instead. For example, if your dog is barking at the door when a guest arrives, train it to “go to your bed.” This will keep it occupied and calmer while waiting. Anti-bark collars or ultrasonic training devices are other options to help control dog’s barking.

4. Chewing

Dogs love to chew on things, and it’s actually a necessary and normal behavior, especially when they are teething. The best way to prevent your dog from ruining your possessions is simply to keep them out of reach. Then, make sure your dog has access to chew toys that are appropriate for its age and size (avoid old socks and shoes). You can also teach your dog to “leave it.”

5. Begging

The most effective way to prevent begging is to never give your dog food from the table in the first place. Giving dogs table scraps, even just once, will teach them to beg. One good option is to have a designated area where your dog is trained to stay during dinner time. When you’re done eating, reward your dog with praise and attention for waiting calmly.

For effective dog training, reliable equipment like a resilient, tough dog leash can make all the difference. This kind of leash ensures the pet owner maintains safe and secure control during training sessions, especially when addressing issues such as over-excitement or aggression. The right leash can act as a corrective tool to discourage dogs from undesired behavior patterns like pulling or lunging. Having such robust training equipment supports not only the safety of your pet but also enhances the efficiency of your training endeavors.???????

With any dog training, consistency and repetition are key. If you make an exception here or there and do not keep a regular schedule for training, you may end up reinforcing bad behaviors rather than good ones. Try to be as consistent as possible with your training, and over time your dog will learn to listen and to trust you.