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The Six Most Common Dog Training Problems
Dog trainers see the same dog training problems—jumping,
nipping, chewing, digging, barking and housebreaking.
Fortunately, these common problems have simple solutions.
Problem One: Jumping
The common mistake owners make with jumping is punishing it.
Don't yell at your dog or push him down because you are looking
at him, touching him and talking to him. Ignore this behavior
completely. Walk in the door past your dog and don't say hello
to him unless he is on all four feet. If he starts to jump at
any point, stand up and walk away.
With your guests, keep him on a leash until he is calm. If he
jumps, pull him back and don't allow him to greet.
Problem Two: Nipping
This problem is solved the same way as
jumping. Don't punish nipping. It often serves as encouragement.
Instead, yell "ouch" and storm out of the room.
If you are playing with your dog, redirect his nipping to a
toy. If he continues to nip at your skin, yell "ouch." If that
doesn't stop it, storm out of the room again. Close the door and
ignore him for a few minutes.
Problem Three: Chewing
Puppies often don't know what their
appropriate chew toys are. If your dog is chewing while you are
gone, he has too much house freedom. Keep him in a crate or
X-pen.
When you are in the room with your puppy and he starts to
chew on something, say leave it and redirect him to a proper
toy. If he doesn't quit chewing, he needs to go in his
confinement area to calm down. You must do this as soon as you
catch him.
Problem Four: Digging
Digging is similar to chewing. If your
dog is digging, he has too much yard freedom. You should be in
the yard with him to catch him, tell him to leave it and
redirect him to an appropriate activity.
Consider giving your dog a digging pit and burying toys and
bones in it, sticking out for him to see. Praise when he goes to
this area and use timeouts when he digs in the other areas.
Problem Five: Barking
Dogs usually bark out of frustration or
arousal. When you are home, reduce this by calling your dog's
name when he barks. If he listens, he gets a treat. If not, he
gets a timeout until he calms down.
When you are not home, reduce the stimuli by keeping him in a
quiet room in the back of the house. Don't give him access to
the windows and doors where he likes to bark.
Problem Six: Housebreaking
Prevent your dog from making
mistakes by never allowing him unsupervised in your house. If he
has recently relieved himself, he can be in the room with you
playing. If not, he should be in his crate until it's time to go
outside again.
Keep him on a consistent feeding schedule. Some puppies can't
hold it for more than an hour, so be aware of your dog's
schedule.
All of these problems have simple solutions and can all be
helped with more exercise and a proper diet. If your dog is
exhibiting one of these problems, start your training now.
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