Rescue dogs are often put up for adoption simply because humans do not know how to get them to STOP doing something. Turn this correction thought process into rewarding the dog for what he is doing right!
Punishing or correcting an animal for making a mistake often makes the situation more frustrating for the animal. We all have experiences when something that once worked fine now is not working at all. Your car does not start, the printer is out of ink, your phone battery is dead. Both people and animals get the same feeling when faced with this situation known as extinction in behavior terms. We all get angry, yell, maybe even curse, "this is infuriating!"
I often see this intense behavior when working with rescue dogs, such as barking, guarding, lunging, jumping, spinning and many others. For example, I recently worked with a handsome black lab mix whose foster mom complained that he continually jumped up on her. After taking the pups leash and a handful of treats, just as she said, he began to jump on me. I quickly turned and walked away from him saying nothing. He was clearly confused and jumped up on me higher and in quicker repetition, and with more force, using his muzzle to bump/pop my chin and chest. This went on for nearly a minute or two when I explained to the foster parent that he is incredibly frustrated as this behavior has worked for him in the past. Rather than waiting until he sat without jumping first, I used a treat to lure him a few steps then over his head, when he sat down, I simply said "yes" and tossed him a treat. The second time, I only lured him one step and raised it over his head, again he sat and received his treat. At this moment his lightbulb went off and he approached me and sat, again I marked his behavior with a "yes" and rewarded him.
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| These dogs learn appropriate social skills each day. |
I often see this intense behavior when working with rescue dogs, such as barking, guarding, lunging, jumping, spinning and many others. For example, I recently worked with a handsome black lab mix whose foster mom complained that he continually jumped up on her. After taking the pups leash and a handful of treats, just as she said, he began to jump on me. I quickly turned and walked away from him saying nothing. He was clearly confused and jumped up on me higher and in quicker repetition, and with more force, using his muzzle to bump/pop my chin and chest. This went on for nearly a minute or two when I explained to the foster parent that he is incredibly frustrated as this behavior has worked for him in the past. Rather than waiting until he sat without jumping first, I used a treat to lure him a few steps then over his head, when he sat down, I simply said "yes" and tossed him a treat. The second time, I only lured him one step and raised it over his head, again he sat and received his treat. At this moment his lightbulb went off and he approached me and sat, again I marked his behavior with a "yes" and rewarded him.
Over time, dogs learn how to avoid punishment to the best of their ability. No species seeks out punishment unless they feel as if they have no alternative behavior to offer. If you think your dog is being pushy, maybe it is because it has worked in the past. All dogs choose a behavior that works.
Rewarding your dog for good behavior will certainly encourage your dog to do that behavior more often! See how many times you can tell your dog "good boy/girl" the rest of today! Bet you get more of this behavior while the rude behavior will fade.
Rewarding your dog for good behavior will certainly encourage your dog to do that behavior more often! See how many times you can tell your dog "good boy/girl" the rest of today! Bet you get more of this behavior while the rude behavior will fade.
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