So you're reading this page because your dog is doing something you don't like – some behavior you want him to do differently, or some behavior problem you want him to stop doing.
- Housebreaking "accidents"
- Barks too much
- Won't let go of things
- Steals food when you turn your back
- Jumps on people
- Chews on your hands
- Constantly seeks attention
- Guards his food or toys
- Pulls on the leash
- Shows aggression or shyness toward people or other dogs
- Struggles or won't stand still for grooming
- Chases the cat
- Chews on the furniture or your belongings
- Did I mention housebreaking "accidents"?
The "magic word" for virtually all dog behavior problems is "No." But what you do AFTER you say "No" is the true SOLUTION for stopping dog behavior problems. Do you know what to do next?
"How can I stop my dog from....?"
One of the most common questions dog owners ask me is: "How can I stop my dog from (doing some specific behavior problem)?"
They're hoping I'll tell them where to find a secret button on the back of their dog's head that will trigger a MISBEHAVIOR-OFF switch.
Alas, my answer is almost always the same, no matter what the misbehavior is. Here it is (free of charge!): "You need to tell your dog, 'No. Stop that.'"
Does that sound too simplistic? It probably does, because most owners respond, in a frustrated voice, "But I already TELL my dog NO, but he doesn't stop!"
Then he doesn't truly understand what No means....or else he understands but doesn't see any reason why he should do it. You must actually communicate to your dog what No means (I can show you how).....and then whenever he disobeys the word, you must respond in a particular way that encourages him to respect you. Because without respect, your dog may UNDERSTAND what you say, but he doesn't see any reason why he should DO what you say.
No matter how large or how small, all dogs need to respect their owners. I teach my toy dogs respect in the same ways I taught my German Shepherds.
Getting your dog to respect you means getting all of your daily interactions with your dog right.
You might be thinking, "I already do that....I know how to interact with a dog....it's easy."
Actually, it isn't easy. Your dog is a completely different species – a canine – and canines view and interpret the world differently than we do. Whenever you do anything with your dog, even just walking through the kitchen or petting him or speaking to him......he is busy judging your tone of voice, facial expression, body language, how you're touching him, how you respond when he does "this" or "that." All of these things are very, very important to dogs....they use these things to draw conclusions about "their people."
- If you interact with your dog in ways that are WRONG for canines, he will conclude that even though you may be a nice person, he doesn't need to obey you. And you will see behavior problems.
- If you interact with your dog in all the RIGHT ways for canines, he will conclude that you're a capable leader who is worthy of respect. Then he will listen to you when you say, "No. Stop that." Respectful dogs simply don't misbehave.
It's that simple.....and yet you need to know the right ways to interact with your dog so that he respects you. All the wrong ways, too – so you don't do those! You need to know how to teach "No" to your dog and how to respond when he doesn't obey it. Because that's how you stop behavior problems. With that one word.
If you're interested in pursuing this, all the details are in my book, "Teach Your Dog 100 English Words."