A dog that behaves well is loved by everyone and displays the example of good training. Any or all dogs can develop bad behavioral habits, which most of us have all noticed at one time or another.
Often, bad behavior is laughed at and looked on as funny, like when a dog runs off with a child’s toy, or he won’t get off of someone’s favorite chair. Such behavior is re-enforced by the laughing reaction from humans. If a dog then repeats the “funny” behavior at the wrong time, he is in big trouble. Good dog behavior training must be more consistent as confusion will make inappropriate behavior worse.
Many signs indicate to us that a dog does not understand what is expected from him. These signs are common behavioral problems such as: jumping on people when they come into the house or talk to the dog, refusing to get off of the furniture, dragging owners while out on a leashed walk, unintentional approval from owners by petting when a dog jumps up, unintentional approval from owners by petting or cooing if the dog is afraid of a noise outside and/or cowers, or attention (positive or negative) for nuisance barking.
All such behavior requires positive dog behavior training methods to put it right.
Some behavioral signs mean different things. For example, jumping up for a small dog may simply mean he is pleased to see you and if you were his size and a dog he would lick your face in the pack. A larger dog may intend to dominate you. If you respond to jumping up affectionately, the small dog sees that as confirming his behavior and the large dog might see it as submission and both will repeat the behavior.
Basic obedience techniques will place boundaries for a dog and reinforce respect for the owner. Enrolling in a structured obedience class, reading training books, eBooks and articles, or implenting an on-line program are the first steps to educate owners on dog behavior training that will suit their dogs requirements.
Positive help and information may also be the best way for owners to bond with their dog and begin to learn more about these strange and wonderful animals that share their lives with us.
