Managing Different Behaviors

Managing your dog's behaviors can be an absolute life saver. Although it's not always easy, it does help your dog avoid unnecessary stress and in turn, makes your life less stressful. The management tips I'm going to offer are what I typically use for my dog and my client's while we are working on addressing the problem behavior. These tips can be used while you look for a dog trainer to work with to address your dog's behaviors, but should not be a permanent part of your and your dog's lives.

The management tips I talk about may be different than what other trainers use, and that's okay. Every situation and every dog is different and sometimes I have to switch up how I manage a certain behavior based on the dog, the owner, their living situations, and daily routines. Let's get into it!

Jumping - Specifically on you and your guest.

• Only give your dog attention when all four of their paws on the floor.

  • Tell your guest to do the same.

• Keep them on a leash and use your foot to hold the leash down so they can't jump up.

  • The leash should be loose and your dog should still be able to move around a bit.

• Toss treats on the ground to encourage them not to jump.

Barking - General consistent barking indoors and outdoors.

• Indoors: Don't allow your dog to have access to look outside and play relaxing music to help drown out outside noises (I like playing Studio Ghibli music for my dog).

• Outdoors: Don't leave your dog outside alone.

• If they start barking, either engage with them by playing or scatter feeding.

  • Whichever they are most likely to engage with.

Chewing - On clothing, shoes, furniture, cords, etc.

• If you don't want your dog to chew on it, don't leave it on the floor or in a place where your dog has access to.

• Always have a chew (no raw hide chews) or toy ready to give your dog in exchange for whatever it is they are chewing on.

• For furniture specifically, spray a no chew deterrent on the area they tend to go for.

  • If that doesn't work, don't allow your dog access to that piece of furniture.

Pulling on Leash - Specifically pulling without reactivity.

• If your dog pulls, stop walking and wait for them to release pressure, then reward them.

• Reward them every time they check-in with you while walking.

• Play games with them both indoors and while on your walks.

When I work with a client for this issue, I suggest stopping and avoiding walks altogether during the duration of training. That is, until it's time to train walking outdoors.

Again these are management tips that are meant to be used during training to help your dog better understand what is being asked of them. These are not solutions to problem behaviors, nor should they be implemented long term. They can, however, be used short term while you look for a trainer you trust and want to work with.

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