Dog Behavior Problems: What Are You Rewarding?

When it comes to dog behavior problems, it is usually not the dog's fault. Most often the behavior problems stem from us, the dog owners and dog lovers. We are rewarding behavior from our dog that is creating problems. Changing your behavior will change the dog behavior problems, and in order for you to change, you must answer one question honestly: What are you rewarding?

Think about the behavior of your dog that you dislike, the 'behavior problems'. These behavior problems can range from mild, yet irritating things like your dog incessantly barking every time the phone rings to more serious dog behavior problems. Are you rewarding any of these behavior problems? Rewarding does not always mean giving your dog their favorite treat, rewarding your dog for a behavior is as simple as giving your dog attention for a particular behavior.

For example, if your dog behavior problems includes incessant barking when the phone rings, what do you do in that moment? Do you make eye contact with your dog, talk to your dog, scold your dog? If you do, you are rewarding the barking by giving your dog attention and creating a dog behavior problem. You have to change your behavior before your dog can change their behavior. You will have to learn to completely ignore any disagreeable dog behavior.

Eye contact alone is enough to encourage your dog to continue that behavior, leading to a behavior pattern, and since it's dog behavior that you do not want, it becomes a behavior problem.

Once you have mastered ignoring the disagreeable dog behavior, wait until your dog settles down, then begin rewarding your dog with eye contact and instructions for the dog behavior you want. If your dog is not good with verbal commands, then wait until your dog exhibits a behavior that you do like, such as sitting quietly by your side, then begin rewarding your dog with eye contact and treats.