Eclipse Dog Training Tips of the Month

Tip of the Month

Don't Say "NO"

(Dogs don't know the "rules of the house", your house or any house.)

When you bring a dog or puppy into your home it is unfair to expect that they know how to behave without teaching them what you want. It is human nature to say "No" every time they make a mistake. But think about it: Is it really a "mistake" or just an undesirable behavior? To call something a mistake implies that the correct response or behavior is known, but an error (or mistake) has been made. Unless you show a dog what you expect, and reward or reinforce desirable behavior, his only option is to learn by trial and error.

This is generally quite frustrating to you and to your dog. How is your dog to remember ALL the things you said "No" to in the course of even 1 day? After awhile, your dog will just give up and tune you out as so much background noise. Have you noticed that you have gotten progressively louder with "NO!" because you think your dog is stubborn? See how frustrating it is!!

The answer is really quite simple. Dogs (and people too,) will repeat a behavior that gets noticed, or gets attention. So notice the behaviors that you like.

For instance, does your dog steal your socks just to get you to play chase? (Stealing that sock gets noticed every time!) Or does your dog automatically sit when you are handing out treats? He does it because sitting gets noticed and rewarded, not necessarily because he knows what "sit" means, (or may not in another context).

Does your dog jump up on you or your guests? He does it for attention - and it always works. Even if you yell and push him down, you are still noticing him and that's what he wants. Instead, try turning your back, without saying a word, and walk away. He may probably jump on your back a few times, but ignore him. Pretend you don't notice. Do this EVERY time he jumps, and only pay attention when he has all 4 feet on the ground. If you have to offer a treat to get him to sit and be successful at not jumping, you may do so occasionally until he develops some self-control. But try this and see how effective teaching your dog the correct behavior can be.

To learn more, ask about obedience classes. They might be more valuable than you think.

A Canine Bill of Rights

Dogs have a right to a rich, stimulating environment.

Dogs have a right to time and attention from a caring owner.

Dogs have a right to effective training procedures; if behavior problems are to be addressed, a competent person must be involved.

Dogs have a right to ongoing veterinary care and a comprehensive assessment (functional analysis and behavioral diagnostics) for behavioral problems.

Dogs have a right to an ongoing education and the chance to learn new skills.

From: How Dogs Learn by Mary R Burch, PhD and Jon S Bailey, PhD

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