How to Improve Your Dog’s Behavior

You love your dog, but living harmoniously with another species takes work! Behavioral modification and training are essential for helping dogs understand how to behave acceptably and engage appropriately with people and other dogs. Behavioral modification aims to make life more enjoyable for pets and their owners. Here, we explore how behavior modification works, discuss common behavior problems in dogs, highlight the benefits of positive reinforcement, and explain how private and group training can benefit your pup.

What is behavior modification?

The key to changing your dog’s behavior is understanding why they do what they do. Behaviors that many people find objectionable are often normal for dogs, and they need time to learn what’s acceptable. Sometimes, a problem behavior indicates poor socialization, anxiety or even an underlying health problem. Regardless of the origin of an undesirable behavior, modification can help reduce the unwanted behavior and replace it with a more appropriate response.

Behavioral modification requires an understanding of training principles and how dogs learn. Dogs learn quickly. If a particular behavior gets them something they want, they’ll continue doing it. If you take away the reward, the behavior will eventually stop. Behavior modification often requires detective work to determine why a dog behaves in a certain way and to create an action plan to modify the undesirable behavior.

Setting realistic goals

In a perfect world, behavior modification would eliminate a dog’s problems entirely. In the real world, changing a dog’s behavior may require some compromise. Dogs are emotional and complex, and some habits or behaviors may be impossible to correct. Working with a professional dog trainer or a certified canine behaviorist can help you assess your pup’s problem and set realistic goals over a reasonable time frame. Remember that consistency is crucial, and you shouldn’t abandon the plan if you aren’t seeing results right away.

The importance of positive reinforcement, "R+"

"R+ Training" involves rewarding a dog for behaving appropriately, which encourages them to repeat those behaviors in the future. Rewards can include treats, praise, petting, or playtime—the trick is to use what the dog finds most motivating. Rather than punishing an undesirable behavior, the goal is to avoid reinforcing it.

Negative and punishment-based training methods can have unintended consequences that lead to further behavior problems. Dogs may not connect the punishment with the “crime” and become anxious and insecure about their surroundings. On the other hand, positive reinforcement methods build trust and encourage dogs to think critically and problem-solve during training sessions, making training enjoyable for everyone involved.

At Pampered Puppies, we practice R+ training methods.

Solving behavior problems

There are four main steps to changing your dog’s behavior:

1. Determine the underlying cause. Stress and anxiety are common drivers of behavioral issues, and both of these can be caused by pain or health problems. A visit to your veterinarian is a good first step to rule out an underlying medical issue.
   
   
2. Consider the nonmedical motivation. Why does your dog behave inappropriately? Perhaps your dog frequently jumps on you. Puppies often do this because they want to get your attention or greet you—they find the interaction rewarding. The reinforcement disappears if you turn away from the pup when they jump on you. Wait until your puppy puts all four feet on the floor to greet them and give them a treat, and they will soon get the picture.
   
   
3. Manage the behavior. The more frequently a dog performs a specific behavior, the more deeply ingrained it becomes, and reversing the undesirable behavior becomes increasingly difficult. Management helps prevent dogs from “practicing” the behavior while you work with a certified professional on a long-term training plan. For example, you might manage barking at passers-by by putting up a window film to block your dog’s view, or you can prevent your puppy from jumping on people as they enter your home by blocking them from the door with a baby gate.
   
   
4. Tailor the process. After management is in place, behavior modification is a dynamic and tailored process. Your trainer or behaviorist should work with you to determine the best methods for addressing the undesirable behavior and make adjustments as your dog progresses. In some cases, medications or natural calming supplements may augment the behavior modification plan. If a dog is stressed, anxious, or fearful—signs often at the root of behavior problems—they cannot effectively learn. Anti-anxiety medications or supplements can lower baseline stress levels so your dog is more responsive to training protocols and able to learn new habits that stick.

Behavioral modification is a powerful tool for shaping a dog’s behavior and creating a harmonious environment. However, dog behavior and training principles are complex, and you probably shouldn’t attempt to correct a problem behavior on your own. Professional dog trainers, including our very own Pampered Puppies training team, have the knowledge, tools, and experience to help you identify your dog’s issue(s) and create a training plan based on their unique personality and needs.

Contact us to learn how we can help your pup become the best version of themself, or visit our online store to stock up on supplies and treats for your next training session.