Creating Good Habits For Life

Your dog's behavior is influenced by a number of things in their environment and daily life with you. You can use these to start creating good habits today - whether your dog is new to your home or a long-time family member.

How Dogs Learn
Dogs are always learning about their world. They learn in two ways: by emotional associations (the emotions something causes) and by consequences (if I do this, that happens). 

Safe vs. Dangerous
Emotional associations separate what a dog thinks is safe (or fun or desirable) versus dangerous (or uncomfortable or undesirable). No matter what you think your dog should think about something (nail trims are no big deal), your dog is the one who defines what they think is dangerous (nail trims are torture).

To ensure your dog labels something as “safe,” always listen to what they are saying and don’t force an interaction on them. Instead, pair the situations or experience with positives like food or toys to help the dog creates a positive association with that thing. For example, don’t drag your dog on leash to meet another dog if they are hesitant. Instead let your dog hang out at a safe distance and play or sniff so they pair the presence of another dog with a good experience. 

What Works vs. What Doesn't
The other way your dog learns is by connecting a behavior with a consequence. They understand when what they do leads to something they want, something they don’t want, or nothing. These connections only work for immediate consequences; your dog can’t learn the connection between their past behavior and a later punishment, for example. 

To make sure your dog learns only what you want them to, use your home setup to prevent unwanted behaviors. For example, make sure your dog never finds food on the counters and they won’t have a reason to jump up there - it doesn’t “work”. Also remember to reward behavior you like, such as laying quietly on their bed, chewing their toys, or coming when you call. If these behaviors always “work” to earn a reward, your dog will keep doing them. 

Preventing Bad Behavior Before it Starts

Most dog behavior problems are easier to prevent than to stop. You can encourage good behavior by setting up your home to meet your dog's needs.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation  
A bored dog will find things to do and you may not like their choices. Both physical and mental activity is very important to your dog’s wellbeing and behavior. Along with physical activities like walking, running, hiking, etc, consider mental exercise like working on food puzzles, training, and scent games (nosework). Adding mental exercise to your dog’s routine can help them relax and settle.
Outlet for Natural Behaviors​
Most dogs love to chew, sniff, dig, run, and play. Give your dog an appropriate outlet for the things they need to do naturally. Provide chew toys, chances to sniff on walks, places to dig, and lots of opportunities to play however your dog prefers (they canstill have rules about being polite while playing though!).

Dog Proofing
Dogs will be dogs; it can be hard to train out every unwanted behavior. Make adjustments that keep your dog and your belongings safe. Puppies in particular need dog proofing as they are more likely to get into things. Along with putting away c​hemicals and watching for physical hazards, prevent common issues with a few proactive steps:

  • Safe Confinement: Set up a space for your dog to stay when they are learning the house rules, to prevent mistakes. Confinement is especially important when housetraining. This could be a crate, exercise pen, or completely dog-proofed room.
  • Chewing: Pick up anything that you don’t want chewed and keep appropriate items available.
  • Outdoor Space: Check your fence carefully. A solid fence is typically best for prevent both escape and other behavior issues, such as barking. In general, your dog shouldn’t be outside when you aren’t home to monitor their safety and behavior. 
  • Counter Surfing: Keep food off of kitchen counters to prevent your dog from stealing a snack.

​Fair Rules
To help your dog be their best self, they need to be able to understand the rules of your home. To be fair to your dog, be clear, consistent, and realistic about what you ask of your dog. Puppies and adolescents, in particular, have a hard time remembering lots of rules. Use management to prevent bad habits from forming while they are learning. When introducing a new rule, be patient and prepared to repeatedly redirect your dog to the correct behavior. Suddenly adding a punishment with scare and frustrate a dog that was previously allowed to do something.

Valuable Skills

Dogs can learn some important behaviors that will make their life, and yours, easier.

  • Crate Training: ​Teach your dog to relax in a crate so they have a safe place to go when needed. 
  • Attention: Reward your dog for looking at you instead of a distraction like another dog or unfamiliar person. This can prevent excited pulling and teach a positive association.
  • Go to Their “Spot”: Create a specific place for your dog to go when asked. Reward with treats.
  • Come When Called: Start indoors and close by to teach your dog to come to you. This is an important safety skill.
  • Handling of Paws, Mouth, Ears, etc: Do only a tiny bit at a time, at your dog’s comfort level, and pair with treats. 

This material was written in collaboration with dog behavior consultant Jessica Char.
Learn more at   www.CanineEngineering.com