How to Get a Dog to Behave
Dogs are amazing animals that we have brought into our lives. While domesticated some 30,000 years ago, they are still animals that follow instincts. This can be challenging because you want your pet to do as you say, but they act out sometimes, and you are stumped on how to correct them.
Are you having issues with your dog and want to learn how to keep them in line? There are many different training methods, but ultimately, you want to encourage good behaviour and avoid bad behaviour.
This is how to get a dog to behave.
Keep Them Busy
Often, dogs misbehave because they are bored and will act out to get attention from you. These are active animals and need daily stimulation to get it all out. If your dog acts negatively, it may need to burn off some energy with a walk or off-leash play.
Depending on the age and breed of your dog, they will need to be active for several hours a day. Sometimes, a walk works for an older dog, or if you have a backyard, let them find adventure on their own. Exercise is key to their health and happiness, so try these activities:
Daily trips to the dog park
Swimming at a lake using floating toys to retrieve
Jogging, running or cycling
Playing frisbee or fetch with a ball
Longer hikes on challenging terrain
This will get out all that pent-up energy, and once you get home, they will be more relaxed and better behaved. You need to make this commitment to your dog daily.
High-Quality Dog Food
Dogs will eat almost anything you put before them and quickly get a sweet tooth. If you are trying to get your dog to behave, look at the food they eat. Choose high-quality products from reputable brands like Open Farm dog food.
Dog diet can dramatically affect physical and mental health, so buy the best food you can afford. Some great pet store businesses curate incredible food so your dog can thrive. This is because they will be more at peace and satiated when they get the proper nutrition.
Avoid sugars, additives, chemicals, and high-carb ingredients. Also, follow a regular feeding schedule twice daily and ensure they have access to plenty of water.
Only Reward Good Behaviour
This seems like a no-brainer, but your dog will repeat rewarded behaviour. Please take note of your dog's bad habits and look for their reasons. Are they rewarded or reinforced when they do it? You could give them attention, cuddle them, or take them out when they misbehave.
Disrupt bad behaviour to weaken their habits and ensure you are not setting them up for failure by creating it yourself. When they do things you like, let them know with a treat, some love, or take them outside to play. This reinforcement will train them to behave to get what they want.
Make Sure Everyone is on the Same Page
You can correct good behaviour until the cows come home. However, if someone in the household lets your dog get away with things, you will need help to get results. Every household member needs to be on the same page about what your dog can and can't do.
It may be keeping them off the couch or bed, staying out of certain areas of the home, barking for treats or any other negative behaviour. Share your training methods with your spouse and kids so they all practice the same routines, and your dog behaves.
Give Them Quality and Quantity Time
Dogs are part of your life, but you are theirs. While you are at work or out socializing, they patiently wait for your return. To get the best behaviour out of your furry friends, dedicate more time to them.
This can be as simple as cuddling up on the couch or in the backyard, petting them, and talking to them. They love exercising, playing in the park, and wrestling with their favourite toys. Once you wear them out, give them space to rest independently, but be close by so they can see you. This time and attention will strengthen your bond and lessen negative behaviours.
Now you know how to get a dog to behave. Practice these steps and be diligent about building a strong, positive relationship. Your dog will love you all of life, so put in the effort and enjoy its companionship.