Since dogs and humans have evolved together for many thousands of years, dog social structures are more comparable to those of humans than they are to wolves and other animals. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Given these advancements in research, rewards-based training routines based on positive reinforcement are generally preferred over training based on dominance and punishment.
In terms of training, stressing “pack” over “family” often involves force, intimidation, and similar techniques that have fallen out of favor among professional dog behaviorists. To understand dog social dynamics and offer your dog the most effective training, it’s important to consider specifics, including your dog’s personality, history, and breed or breed mix. When training or socializing your dog put nuances, such as whether your dog has a history of neglect or anxiety, ahead of trying to be the authoritative alpha. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Recent behavioral research has shown that your dog isn’t trying to be a “pack alpha” when it misbehaves. Rather, it’s either responding negatively to situations it associates with stress or acting in ways it thinks will result in rewards, like food or attention. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
For example, when teaching your dog command words, like sit or come, you should first say the command, then physically guide your dog into the appropriate position, and immediately give it a treat. Repeat the process around twenty times per training session, eventually substituting the treat for exaggerated verbal praise and petting. The key when giving a treat to your dog is to do so in the exact moment it does something correctly. If it sits and you immediately offer a treat, it will come to associate following the command with a reward.
Likewise, if you don’t want your dog to beg for food, don’t give it any attention whatsoever if it begs while you’re eating. Don’t make any exceptions that might make it expect food off your plate. While consistency is essential to establishing social dynamics and house rules, punishment is less effective. Humans can associate an action with a punishment regardless of time, but dogs cannot. If your dog has an accident inside or chews something up, punishing it after the behavior will have no effect. It can’t make an association between the bad behavior and you yelling or spanking it, even if just several minutes after the fact.
While spaying or neutering and other forms of preventive care can be costly, they’re typically more affordable and convenient than dealing with a pregnancy or health condition. If cost is an issue, call your local animal shelter and ask them, “Are there any local financial aid programs that can help me get my dog spayed or neutered?”
If you notice your dog lifting its leg or marking, get its attention by shouting or clapping, and tell it, “No! Don’t do that!” It’s important to stop it in the exact moment the marking or accident occurs so the dog understands your intentions. Take it outside if it hasn’t had a walk in a while and needs to relieve itself. Remember that punishment after the fact won’t have any effect. If you’ve come home and found your dog has gone to the bathroom inside, it won’t understand why you’re rubbing its nose in the spot or yelling at it. If your dog is potty trained but begins to routinely empty its bladder (as opposed to mark with a little urine) or defecates indoors, there might be a more significant issue. Take to the vet for a checkup, and ask the vet about possible incontinence or anxiety issues. Reward your dog for marking outside instead of inside so it learns where it’s okay to mark. [10] X Expert Source Indigo WillProfessional Canine Expert Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
Try to pay attention to specific conditions when your dog misbehaves. It might take time and patience, but if you can identify why exactly your dog misbehaves you’re more likely to offer a long-term solution. Try to apply the methods of operant conditioning. For example, if you can safely ignore your dog when it’s barking or showing aggression, do so. When it displays calm behavior in response to something new, offer a small food treat or pet it and offer plenty of encouragement. Over time, it will associate barking or jumping with being ignored and calmer behavior with attention. [12] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source Avoid trying to pet or play with your dog when it’s showing signs of aggression. Read its body language—bared teeth and raised fur, for example, are signs that your dog is feeling aggressive. [13] X Expert Source Indigo WillProfessional Canine Expert Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
If this is the case, try to limit exposure to new animals and people. Try to offer it plenty of positive reassurance with a reassuring tone of voice. Ask its vet if they recommend medication for anxiety, and consider seeking help from a professional trainer if aggressive behavior persists.
Start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring it home, especially if you plan on getting a new dog or cat in the future. Puppies are more receptive to socialization than older dogs, but dogs of any age can be trained through proper conditioning. If a visitor comes to your home, have them offer the dog a treat so it identifies your guests with positivity.
Introduce them gradually, starting with the sense of smell. Offer the dogs scent articles so they can get used to each other’s scents before making visual contact. When they do make visual contact, do it on neutral ground, like a neighbor’s yard or park. Don’t force them to stand face to face. Allow them to show each other their profiles, walk around each other, and sniff. Next, separately bring them to your own yard, and allow them to meet for a few minutes on your territory. If all goes well so far, bring them inside separately and keep them out of each other’s sight in closed rooms or crates. Let one out at a time, starting with the new dog. Let it explore the house. Then, put it back in its crate or closed room, and allow the old dog to explore. Finally, let them both out simultaneously inside the house. Continue to monitor how they interact within the house. Keep them separated during the initial weeks using a sturdy baby gate if necessary. Keep them crated out of sight or in rooms with closed doors while they’re unattended.
For example, if one dog is less tolerant of other members of your household, begin by instructing it to sit while another dog or family member stands behind a baby gate. Offer a treat if it remains calm. Next, remove the gate but keep the dog or person at the same distance, and again reward calm behavior. If working with two dogs, keep them leashed just in case. Proceed using the same method at shorter and shorter distances.
Ask a vet about anxiety medications or other recommended solutions. Ask them to recommend a trainer who can help it get along better with your other dogs or family members. Try to get to know your dog before acquiring another pet. If it has trouble getting along with others despite training from you or a professional, try to accept its personality as it is. Some dogs are simply not social, and you should do your best to love it no matter what instead of creating a potentially unsafe environment.
