How to Correct Unwanted Dog Behavior

Just saying “no” to your dog, or giving it a clip around the ear, isn't enough to change its behavior. If it was, then every dog in the country would have impeccable manners. 

But fortunately, there are strategies that work. So what do dog experts recommend you do instead? Let’s take a look:

Start With Management

Putting dogs in situations of temptation is much more likely to result in them exhibiting the very behavior you want to discourage. Therefore, trainers use “management” – using various strategies to prevent the unwanted behavior arising in the first place, such as using baby gates, leashes and closing the curtains if other dogs are walking past.

Use Positive, Not Negative Training Methods

Ignoring your dog when it does things you don’t want it to do is a common strategy, the idea being that you don’t want to reinforce negative behaviors. However, a much better approach is to reward positive behavior. For instance, if your dog starts scratching on the door, instead of just ignoring what they are doing, ask them to come and sit next to you, giving them a treat if they do. This way, you avoid the negative and reinforce the positive. 

Interrupt Bad Behavior

Saying “no” to your dog rarely works. Therefore, trainers often recommend a positive interrupter. This is where you actively stop the unwanted behavior in a consistent manner and redirect your dog towards something you do want them to do, such as lie in their bed, or eat their food. 

Choose a word for your positive interrupter and then give your dog a treat immediately if they stop the problem behavior, particularly if you have a dangerous dog breed. This way, they will associate calm behavior with rewards.