WHY TEACH IT?
Pet parents frequently ask, “how do I get my pet to stop doing that?” The most effective way to get your dog to stop doing the unwanted behavior is to focus on what you want your dog to do instead. Deciding what you want your dog to do gives you something to train, instead of punish or complain about.
Choose an alternative behavior that your dog cannot do at the same time as the unwanted behavior. Teach the alternative behavior using positive reinforcement. Consistently reward the alternative behavior (what you want your dog to do), and prevent or ignore the unwanted behavior. Your dog will always choose the most rewarding behavior they have learned. Over time, the new behavior replaces the unwanted one.
HOW TO TEACH IT
Define the unwanted behavior.
Define what you would like your dog to do instead.
Prevent the unwanted behavior from happening through proactive management.
Teach the behavior using positive reinforcement and put it on cue.
Once learned, practice the new behavior in the problem scenario.
TRAINING EXAMPLE
Unwanted behavior: “My dog jumps up on people when they greet them.”
Alternative behavior: “I would prefer that my dog sits politely for greetings.”
Manage the unwanted behavior: Ask people not to greet your dog while you are in training.
Teach the alternative behavior: Use your clicker to teach the dog to sit on cue reliably.
Practice it in the problem scenario: Enlist the help of a friend to recreate the scenario of a person walking up to greet your dog. Cue your dog to sit, and only allow the approach if your dog sits.
TRAINING TIPS
Use life rewards! Treats go a long way, but you can also use other experiences that are rewarding to your dog. Examples: petting, attention, play, going outside, etc.
Be consistent! Once your dog knows the alternative behavior, ask for it in every problem scenario and reward it every time. Avoid rewarding the unwanted behavior if it arises again.
Manage your environment and set your dog up to succeed! In the example scenario, it’s up to you to give other people the right guidance for how to interact with your dog.
Be proactive about training! There are a lot of useful skills you can teach your dog, which will prevent most common problem behaviors. Examples: settle on a mat, eagerly entering and staying in their crate, stationing outside of the kitchen, or waiting at the door.