We can’t always anticipate problem behaviors from our furry friends, but sometimes they’re part of the package. Whether they develop from a lack of training, reactions to the environment, or they’re little issues that get bigger over time, sometimes we need to work a little harder at maintaining a healthy relationship with our pups.
The following are some of the most common training challenges and what you can do to address them as a team.
Not Coming When Called
Sure, it’s frustrating when your dog ignores you, but in some situations – such as near a busy street – it can be downright dangerous.
The reasons why your dog might ignore the recall can range from incomplete training to a negative association to the cue. If you pair a recall with something your dog considers bad, like leaving the dog park or going into the crate, these negative associations may develop. Part of the challenge of having a strong recall is that it’s simple to teach, but tough to maintain.
The best way to encourage a reflexive recall is to go back to the basics. Since your former recall word might have baggage associated with it, introduce a new word, like “here,” as if you’re teaching a brand new behavior. Practice it around the house first, always giving a special treat when your dog responds to it. Once your dog is happily bounding to you every time, start trying it out in more challenging environments.
Leash Pulling
For some pet owners, leash walks are a literal pain in the neck (and back). Dogs that pull risk injuring both themselves and the human end of the leash. Plus, pet owners might be reluctant to go for long walks because it’s not easy to navigate with a puller.
A leash pulling habit usually develops because the behavior works for the dog; they pull, we follow. It might start in puppyhood when it’s no big deal and continue until it’s an ingrained part of your walks.
If you’ve got a determined leash puller, you have two options: use a management tool to decrease your dog’s ability to pull or train your pooch to walk politely. Management tools like no-pull harnesses are designed to inhibit pulling. While they’re a fantastic option to quickly reduce or eliminate pulling for many dogs, they’re not a perfect fit for every pet.
Teaching your dog to walk without pulling takes dedication since your dog probably has a long and successful history of dragging you whenever he wants to go. The secret to helping your dog learn to walk politely is rewarding the absence of pulling, even if it’s initially only for a few steps. Use a clicker or marker word to let your dog know when he’s in the right position beside you, then follow up with a high value goody. Gradually work up to maintaining longer stretches of polite walking in new environments.
Jumping Up
This nuisance behavior is actually adorable when it starts. Your tiny puppy jumps on your leg in order to get your attention, so of course you reach down and shower him with affection. But once that little puppy gets bigger, it’s not so cute. Depending on the size of your pooch, dog jumping can be a painful and dangerous habit.
Like most problem behaviors, once jumping up has a solid reinforcement history, it gets tougher to address.
If your dog jumps up on you when you get home from work, you can teach him that instead of getting your attention (even your angry attention) his behavior has the opposite effect. When your dog jumps, either turn your back until he stops or step into a different room and close the door. Wait a few moments before coming back. If he’s able to keep four paws on the floor, greet and pet him. If he jumps, step away again. Since listening to verbal cues can be tough when a dog is overexcited, you can also teach your dog a clear nonverbal that means “bum on the ground,” like crossing your arms.
If your dog jumps on visitors, you can manage his behavior by tethering him to a sturdy piece of furniture when people arrive. This allows you to work with him on his greeting behavior while keeping him from jumping on people who might not appreciate that sort of hello.
Excessive Barking
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, from sounding the alarm about possible intruders (even when it’s just the mail carrier), to fear, to distress. Living with a barker can be frustrating because it’s disruptive and annoying. Since there are multiple causes for the behavior, the first step to addressing it is discovering what’s motivating the barking.
You can manage the behavior of some barkers by blocking the window with opaque film for dogs that react to people outside, providing treat-stuffed busy toys for attention-seeking dogs that bark when you’re on the phone, or using pheromone plug-ins for distress barkers. Ignoring your dog can also help in some situations; dogs who bark when they’re frustrated or for attention will learn that barking doesn’t work.
Teaching your dog a “hush” cue can help for territorial and alarm barkers. When your dog is barking, place your hand in front of his nose with a treat inside of it so that he can smell it but can’t get to it. Once he stops barking to sniff at your hand, say “hush” (you’re “naming” the silence) and toss the treat a few steps away from him. Repeat the process until you can just say “hush” without needing the hand prompt in front of his nose, and then give him a treat.