Dogs bring so much happiness that it’s easy to dismiss imperfections. As parents, however, we should correct troublesome behavior through physical and mental exercise and consistent corrective conditioning.
Barking
- Your dog barks mostly because they’re warning you, seeking attention, releasing frustration, excited, or territorial. To correct incessant barking, address the cause.
- An exhausted canine is less prone to bark so provide ample stimulation.
- Turn away or leave when they bark. Respond when they stop. This way, they’ll associate rewards with not barking. Consistency is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll revert to where you started.
- Distract your pet from situational triggers and reward them when they stay calm.
Chewing
- Puppies chew a lot when teething. If not, chewing acts as a stress or energy release. Give dogs plenty of exercise to prevent this.
Digging
- This is not altogether bad but serves as energy release. What you can do is control where he/she digs. Distraction works by employing treats or cues.
Begging
- Puppy dog eyes may be adorable, but not when overdone. Solution? Don’t give in. Teach where they should eat or play during mealtime.
Jumping
- Do the same with barking. Don’t respond and reward when they stay down.
Separation Anxiety
- Tire your dog before leaving. Leave a treat/toy to keep them busy. When you arrive, greet only when they remain calm.