5 Simple Ways to Reinforce Good Habits & Stop Bad Behaviour: Dog Training

I've trained many of my dogs throughout my life, and here are my top 5 ways to stop unwanted behaviour such as digging holes, barking, or jumping on furniture. In this article, I’ll take you through 5 simple ways to reinforce good habits and stop bad behaviour when it comes to dog training. From rewards-based training and consistency to positive reinforcement and exercise and mental stimulation, this guide will provide you with all you need to know about dog training, so you can start teaching your pup the right way.

1. Provide proper exercise and mental stimulation:

One common cause of unwanted behaviours in dogs is a lack of physical and mental stimulation. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise and has plenty of opportunities for mental enrichment can go a long way in preventing problem behaviours from developing. For example, you can take your dog for long walks or runs, play fetch or other interactive games, or give them puzzle toys to keep them mentally engaged.

2. Use positive reinforcement training:

Positive reinforcement training involves reinforcing desired behaviours with rewards such as treats, praise, or toys. This type of training is more effective and humane than punishment-based methods and can help your dog learn to make the right choices. It works the same way as if you wanted to teach your dog to sit. When you say "sit" and when they do, you immediately give them a treat and praise them. You wouldn't punish your dog every time it doesn't sit. It works the same when eliminating a bad behaviour- if you punish the dog for doing something, it often doesn't know what it was for. However, dog's brains are wired to learning what behaviours result in reward.

3. Establish clear rules and boundaries:

Dogs, like humans, do better with structure and consistency. Establishing clear rules and boundaries and consistently enforcing them can help your dog understand what is expected of them and reduce the occurrence of unwanted behaviours. For example, you can decide that your dog is not allowed on the furniture, consistently enforce this rule every time they try to get on the furniture without permission, and do not make exceptions- this just makes it more confusing for your dog.

4. Address any underlying environmental factors:

Sometimes unwanted behaviours in dogs can be caused by environmental factors such as boredom, fear, or stress. Identifying and addressing these underlying issues can help reduce the occurrence of unwanted behaviours. For example, if your dog barks excessively when left alone, it could be due to separation anxiety. In this case, providing your dog with mental and physical stimulation before you leave, and gradually increasing the amount of time they are left alone, can help reduce their anxiety.

5: Use customised training to cater to your dogs need

Dogs are like humans- unique, and all learn in different ways. This is why it's so important to use a training plan that caters directly to your dog's needs and abilities. When you’re customising your training plan, it’s important to consider your pup’s age, breed, and individual personality. You could consider reaching out to a trainer to help with this, although these services can often be very costly. Another alternative is using this free online test, which considers factors such as your dog's age, size, individual issues and your goals. Usually when using a customised training plan along with the tips in this post, I'm able to stop a bad behaviour within 1-2 weeks.

Overall, it is important to be patient and consistent when training your dog and addressing unwanted behaviours. With time, effort, and the right approach, you can help your dog learn to behave in a way that is acceptable and enjoyable for both of you.