It doesn’t take long after getting your dog for it to feel like more than a pet. They immediately feel like family members, ones you want to love and adore and shower with affection. But even if you carry a picture of your pooch around in your wallet, that doesn’t mean they aren’t still dogs. And many dogs need training to correct bad behavior like excessive barking, jumping up on people, or using your living room floor as a bathroom. We’ve all been there..
In this post we’ll discuss several tips for how to train a dog and also different forms of doggy behavior, so you can glean a better understanding of what your dog’s feeling and why they may act out in the way that they do. Sometimes fear or anxiety may be to blame, instead of bad behavior So keep reading for the full scoop!
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
Dogs are complex creatures. They communicate using barks or growls, but most dog communication is non-verbal. Here are some typical forms of dog behavior and what they might mean when you see them.
Posture
You can learn a lot about how your dog feels by its posture. Dogs that try to make themselves smaller are generally trying to hide because they’re afraid or stressed. Pups that expose their belly to you are usually relaxed. And you can tell a dog feels aggressive when it shifts its weight forward and stands tall. This pose makes the dog appear large and more intimidating. Aggressive body language also includes holding its tail straight up, or… wagging it? Well, sometimes, yes.
Tail-Wagging
If your dog is wagging its tail, all must be right in the world – right? Not exactly. Tail wagging means the dog is emotionally stimulated. Think about your own emotions and what this could mean. You probably realize there are many ways to interpret this now.
Fortunately, there are some noticeable nuances. The slower the tail wagging is, the more relaxed the dog is. Faster means more arousal, which could potentially be negative if the dog is anxious. Interestingly, dogs also tend to wag their tails to the right when they feel positive and to the left when they feel negative emotions.
Tail height also tells you a lot. Higher wagging tails mean the dog is trying to assert dominance, while dogs with lower wagging tails are more afraid. This is especially true if the tail is between their legs. It’s worth mentioning that some dogs have higher or lower tails, depending on their breed.
Ways to Discourage Bad Behavior Without Physical Punishment
There are many kind but firm ways you can learn how to train a dog. But some methods are more effective than others, like the ones listed below.
Body Language
Dogs are perceptive. If you cross your arms, frown, or use a lower tone of voice, they’ll know they did something wrong. You can also flip this around and use positive body language when they obey you.
Withhold Rewards
Withholding treats and praise when your dog does something wrong can be just as effective as offering them treats when they do something right. But it’s important to show them that you’re withholding the treat. Wait until they obey your command, and don’t give in until they listen.
Treats should be healthy and delicious, like the Blue Ridge Naturals’ best-selling treats. They’re responsibly sourced and made with all-natural ingredients, so you can feel good about handing out a few when they’re having a really good day!
Make a Time-Out or “Time-In” Space
If it’s good enough for the kids, it’s good enough for the dog. Pet parents can choose a space where their dog goes when they misbehave. Take them somewhere where they’re away from anything stimulating, like toys or people. Sit with them for a few minutes until they obey your commands or calm down.
Ignore Them
The silent treatment works wonders depending on how much your dog wants your attention. If they get too excited when you come home, you might think to push them off. But your dog has been waiting for your affection all day, so this feels like a win! Try turning away and waiting for them to settle down first, then smother them with love!
Is Physical Punishment an Efficient Dog Training Method?
Negative punishment is, unfortunately, still touted as a way to force dogs into obedience. But yelling or even hitting your dog is not only mistreating them, it can worsen the problem. Dog ownership can be frustrating, but it’s never an excuse for using physical discipline. If you get angry trying to teach your dog, reach out for professional trainers who know how to train a dog in a measured and more humane way. Even a professional dog walking business can be helpful in this way. Most will help with simple commands, teach your dog how to properly walk on a leash, and also how to interact with humans while out on a walk.
Even still, there may be times when your dog’s behavior can feel out of control. It may seem like punishment is the only way to correct bad behavior. But this can often make them afraid of you and thus less likely to listen. Even if you’re just yelling, the loudness of your voice could agitate your dog and cause more unwanted behaviors. Physically punishing your dog’s bad behavior can break the bond of trust you have with them. And if your dog can’t trust you, it probably won’t listen either. Or worse still, your dog will live in fear of you.
That’s why reframing “punishing a dog” to “disciplining a dog” or “training a dog” is so important. Building discipline and training your dog is positive and encourages good behavior. Punishing a dog for something they can’t fully understand isn’t fair and is often considered negative reinforcement.
Why Positive Reinforcements Work Better Than Punishment
Your dog wants you to make you happy. The more you show them that they’re doing a good job at that, the more likely they are to follow your rules. That’s why positive reinforcement is such a powerful motivator. Praise alone feels like a reward to your pup, but treats, chew toys, or anything else your dog loves works well too.
The key to doing positive reinforcement right is knowing when to dish it out. Small victories, like your dog lifting a paw off the ground, could warrant positive reinforcement. You wanted their paw, but since they’re still learning, the positive reinforcement tells your dog they’re going in the right direction.
The best rewards are irresistible; try lots of treats and see which they respond best! Keep a variety of treats on hand as well to keep things interesting. The Blue Ridge Naturals bundles are incredible for this! And don’t forget to combine your treats with a verbal reward to solidify that your dog did something good to deserve the treat.
Want to learn more about dog care? Read “How To Potty Train An Older Dog (Yes, It’s Totally Doable!)”
The Role of Professional Help
You can reach out for professional help at any point in your training. There’s no shame in getting certified dog trainers to right some wrongs, especially if your dog has deeply ingrained unwanted behaviors. But no matter what, it’s important that your dog’s training stays consistent. Discuss a plan with the professional and make sure you follow it. Otherwise, training a dog differently than the way they’re used to could give them mixed messages, setting their progress back by quite a bit.
Who’s a Good Dog? Your Dog Is! Yes, They Are!
There’s a good boy or good girl in every dog out there. Sometimes it just takes some extra love and care to bring them out and discourage bad behavior. Understanding how dogs tick is an excellent place to start learning how to train a dog. But don’t forget to use positive reinforcement and avoid harsh punishment. And stock up on treats, like our Salmon Topper-Trainer Treats to help with your training sessions!
You love your dog like a member of your family, so give them the patience and kindness they deserve. Behavioral issues may take work, but your dog is worth it. So don’t give up on your dog; understand that this is a journey and remember to reach out to professionals if you ever need help!
If you enjoyed this, read “Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Several Reasons Why”
