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Teach your dog   alternative behaviors   to control

 unwanted behaviors.

Ask the average pet owner today about what behaviors bother them the most about their puppies and dogs and you will get a variety of answers.  A few examples are:

“Jumps on people”

“Gets into trouble quickly”

“Bites or nips when playing”

“Wont settle down”

“Goes crazy when they see another dog”

Another common statement by most people is that their dogs are “very smart” and “they know their obedience commands”.  What I tend to find is that obedience is cut short to the point where it is nothing more than a trick.

Having no real practical use because of lack of leadership, timing and understanding of how dogs learn.

By addressing the actual behavior that is troublesome we put a band-aid on the real problem.  Lack of obedience.

When determining a solution for any unwanted behavior my first step is to get back to basics.  Find out what the dog knows and build a relationship.  Gain trust by working with a good positive training method.  This teaches us a little about the dog, and gets us familiar with his motivations and allows us to establish some leadership. 

If you can teach your dog a good sit, or down and can perform it with any distraction, than the unwanted behavior can now be controlled.

If your problem is that your dog jumps on people when they enter your home, work on your sit command when there is no one at the door.  Then begin to add distractions that are similar to someone coming to the door.  If you cant maintain control with the sound of a doorknob turning than you cant expect to have control when someone enters the room.  So build up to it.  You must be able to reinforce your command, so a leash is critical.  Timing is everything.  The behavior that you do not want is for your dog to get up from a sit.  Correct him as soon as he raises his rump.  For many dogs this is very quick.  You have to be quicker.  Build up to the point that you can leave his side and open the door.

If you are able to maintain the sit,  how can he jump up on someone.  Your dog will be happier because he knows what he is suppose to be doing.  You will be more comfortable because you know that you can handle many situations that would be out of your control in the past. 

It doesn’t really matter in most cases what the specific problem is.  If you can establish a very good sit, or down command, your well on your way to controlling a lot of unwanted behaviors.

Don Offutt is a international association of dog trainers professional member, and certified dog trainer.  He owns and operates a professional dog training and hidden dog fence business in Maryland.