I learn all my techniques through training my dog – so everything I talk about is from real world experience. The simplest way your dog will learn how to duck breaking particular rule is if there’s a negative result each time he breaks or attempts to smash that rule.
Quite simply, the main dog coaching formula of all my dog training tips is that breaking rules equals upsetting implications and abiding by them leads to reward of some sort.
This formula is simply accepted by any dog. But in order for this to work, the upsetting experience has to happen every single time the neglected behavior happens, and it must happen right away upon breaking the rule.
Being corrected for bad behavior some of the time or later in the day means completely zip to a dog. Negative effects then become something that occur at random, instead of as a consequence of having done something express. Shortly your dog will equate good behavior with positive rewards.
Why then do dogs insist on doing things that may get them into trouble? They may know they are going to be in difficulty when they raid the rubbish can and scatter the contents over the kitchen floor, but the behavior continues.
There’s no doubt the dog got some reward – maybe the last of the prime rib – as a consequence of his first trash can raid. Now you should think like a dog. Which is worse? Being reprimanded by you later or passing up the gourmet treat just a couple of pokes of the rubbish can away? After many successful trash can raids, your dog knows for certain there’s a pot of gold under that lid. Forget the scolding! That comes later ; the pork chop comes now.
Whose fault is this? Yours! (”Of course,” you suspect, “the parent always gets the blame!” ) But seriously, one of the most vital beliefs of successful coaching has been ignored here – avoidance.
Now the issue behavior is set. And now the dog has been able to raid the gourmet treasure box for a second and 3rd time, the buzz of victory is worth the pain of getting caught.
There are misdemeanors that merit correction, but the correction itself must be acceptable. Having your brand spanking new rug gnawed to bits or the stuffing pulled out of your settee isn’t precisely funny. What you will translate as retaliation on the part of your pet is much more good to be instinct, or maybe stress and disappointment. While it may appear your dog did something out of sheer spite, it is vital for you to realize this wasn’t part of some sinful plan to hurt you.
