QUICK GUIDE TO
ELIMINATING UNWANTED BEHAVIOR

• PREVENT the dog from having the opportunity to do the unwanted behavior. (See my article on Management.)
  
• INTERRUPT the wrong behavior as soon as the dog begins to think about it. Don’t correct or scold after the fact – your dog will not associate a correction with something she did earlier. Learn how to ‘read’ your dog. (See my article on Canine Stress Signs.)
  
• RE-DIRECT the dog immediately to an acceptable alternate behavior. Give your dog a safe chew toy (See my article on Toys). If housetraining, take the dog outside on leash to the proper area. 
  
• EXERCISE your dog so she can be calm in the house. (See my article on Exercise.) A tired dog is a good dog!
  
• NOTICE GOOD BEHAVIOR and reward with attention and praise. Many dogs will act up or invent naughty games to get your attention. Even scolding is attention, and many dogs prefer that to being ignored.
  
• BE A BENEVOLENT LEADER so your dog will look to you for guidance. (See my article on Leadership.)
  
• PRACTICE a command that your dog knows or is learning. Praise enthusiastically for obeying you.
  

Copyright © Pat Scott

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