How do you stop a dog that is doing something incorrectly or deliberately wrong? Some people use "no," some use vocalizations, like "tscht!" to get the dog's attention, THEN redirect to the correct behavior, with a reward upon correct completion. If you do not use "no," how do you get the dog's attention?
Hi, Dogs don't "deliberately" do things "wrong." Remembering that there is no "good" nor "bad" behavior, but that it's all just information & communication predisposes us to help vs try to punish. If the dog performs something you prefer they not do: 1. set up management avoid them being put into the situation to practice the unwanted behavior 2. figure out the reason FOR the behavior (this includes possible underlying medical conditions). 3. ignore (which doesn't mean ignore as a unique intervention which promotes frustration, but in the moment don't inadvertently give attention to the unwanted behavior) then teach what TO do instead!
I got an Australian healer about a year ago.When he was four months old and he was definitely abused. It wasn't the landlord that said no to the young lady's boyfriend.That was abusing the dog.That's why she gave him to me to get him away from her boyfriend.
Hi @manuelcosta2115, You start by teaching incompatible/alternative options in a LOW distraction environment (like your living room) then build to more difficult scenarios. I also recommend a Balance Harness to keep pressure off of the neck. The key is to avoid him practicing the unwanted versions while you are teaching what TO do --and making that reinforcing :)
My dog has leash reactivity when seeing other dogs or when bicycles and motorbikes go by. The only thing that seems to snap him out of it is his slip chain. Can you recommend something more positive?
Hi @Thetoad738. You start by teaching incompatible/alternative options in a LOW distraction environment (like your living room) then build to more difficult scenarios. I also recommend a Balance Harness to keep pressure off of the neck. The key is to avoid him practicing the unwanted versions while you are teaching what TO do --and making that reinforcing :) Too, the slip lead only "stops" the behavior in the moment, but won't teach what TO do. Also, it can create a negative association with the bikes, etc. which will only exaccerbate the issue. Teaching an "orient to me" cue in a low distracting spot first (and getting it fluent) will be key. Also, swapping to a Balance harness :)
I crate train & use the crate with all my dogs, be they fosters or furevers. This is a terrific video - I’m currently looking around on YT to try to find one I agree with that I can then direct friends, etc new to crate training with dogs, and after watching this, it will be first on the list. Thank you so much for helping folks learn how to best teach their fuzzy friends how to crate responsibly and ethically using r+ techniques. ❤
I am at the end of my tether with my 2yr 10mth old Cocker. She is perfect in so many ways, but there are occasions when I can not stop her barking. Examples are, if we are out for a walk, whether a long country walk off lead or a city walk on lead, if we try to stop at a cafe or pub for a drink, she will bark furiously at us and will not stop. We have tried ignoring her, (it gets worse) rewarding her if she stops barking for a minute, all to no avail. In addition, if she has been off lead for a long walk, again she will bark furiously when we put her back on the lead. It is really affecting our relationship with her.
Hi @jennierussell1781, thanks for your comment. Ignoring as a unique intervention isn't recommended as it (as you have seen) promotes frustration. The key is to (separately) teach her some alternative behaviors--first in a quiet, calm, easy location. Then transfer to more challenging scenarios. Too, you should speak with your vet to rule out any possible underlying issues (including anxiety). I'd be glad to set up a time to chat further! positiveanimalwellness.com/virtual-dog-training/
How do you stop your long haired male daushaund from barking at your husband? His is seven years old a rescue. He was a breeder that lived in a cage. We think he was abused by a male. He does not like my husband and always barks at him when he see him. We have had 😊Winston since November of 2023 and he has not changed. Any ideas on this situation? 😊
Hi @carolmeyer4186, First, have you spoken with your vet (or a vet who specializes in behavior) about the situation? It may be rooted in anxiety where a combo of meds PLUS training may help. In terms of the training piece we use desensitization and counter conditioning to change your pup's response. For now, when you know your husband is coming (ask him to text ahead), start feeding something really high value (cheese for example on a licki mat). The goal is to avoid your pup practicing the unwanted behavior further and to change the association with your husband. I'd be glad to help: positiveanimalwellness.com/virtual-dog-training/
Hi @shaoonom.townsend1232--so sorry for my delayed reply. If the leash isn't loose it's likely that A. the leash is too short and/or B. the situation is too difficult. You first want to start working on LLW in a low distraction environment--this might be in your living room! I'd be glad to help: positiveanimalwellness.com/virtual-dog-training/
Can you use these puzzles if your dog is a chewer? Won’t he chew up the puzzle after he’s done? Or do you take away as soon as he is finished, or loses interest? Even if they didn’t finish all their food?
Hi! Depends on the puzzle. For example I wouldn’t use a silicone licki mat but would choose a hard plastic option. Then, yes, I’d trade for something (example, toss chicken away, then pick up puzzle while dog is busy getting chicken) to pick it up vs just taking it. Kong (black is toughest), Kong wobbler, topple, slow feeders, are a few other puzzles for chewers ;)!
