Understanding Why
We begin with understanding your dog’s motivation. Barking at the door? They’re alerting you or reflex to the doorbell/knock. Jumping on guests? They’re excited. By identifying the “why,” we can redirect that energy. Preemptively reward with reward-based training conditions the behaviors we want, not the ones we don’t.
Redirect with Rewards
Take barking: instead of scolding, teach your dog to go to an elevated bed (our “place” command) when the doorbell rings. Reward them with a treat for staying put. Our approach uses this redirection to replace unwanted habits with productive ones, keeping your dog engaged and happy.
Build Impulse Control
Jumping dogs need self-control. Lure them into a sit with a treat, rewarding them only when all four paws are on the elevated dog bed. Our latest methods emphasize patience-building games like this, strengthening your dog’s ability to wait—whether it’s for guests or dinner. It's essential to build sustained behaviors.
Address Chewing with Alternatives
For chewers, offer a reward-based swap: when they grab a shoe, trade it for a chew toy and praise them. Our reward-based system highlights rewarding the choice to let go, turning a destructive habit into a win-win. Consistency here is key.
Why It’s Effective
This approach works because it’s proactive, not reactive. By focusing on what your dog does right, we build trust and confidence. At Everyday K9 Solutions, we’ve been able to use methods to decrease barking and calm jumping with consistent effort. Ready to solve your dog’s quirks? Contact us for expert guidance!
