Kitties Resources

by Boston Public Library

Time-Tested Tips On Behavior Dog Training For Beginners

Article by Stephen Best

Having a well behaved, well mannered dog is a great joy and pleasure. While some dogs seem to “naturally” behave themselves and have a good disposition. Others need help. They need behavior dog training.

Here are four time-tested tips for behavior dog training. I remember them with the acronym “FARR”.

1. Flexible

As mentioned below, while you must assume the role of the “alpha” dog in all cases, you must understand that each dog has it’s own personality and the each dog breed has it’s own characteristics. A specific method that works with one dog may not work with another dog. Also, whatever is causing one dog to misbehave may not be the same cause for another dog to misbehave. For example, one dog may suffer separation anxiety, become depressed and frustrated and chew things. Another dog may be jealous of a newborn baby or another dog and chew things to gain attention. You must be flexible and willing to try different methods of behavior dog training to gain the behavior that you want.

2. “Alpha” Dog

Dogs are social animals. They have a pack instinct. They look to the “alpha” dog for leadership. Have you ever noticed that when two or more dogs are together, one is the leader. When the other dog(s) start to do something that the “alpha” dog doesn’t like, the “alpha” dog will growl and show his/her disapproval. The “alpha” dog might even attack the misbehaving dog. For effective dog training in general and behavior dog training in particular, you must be the leader. You must assume the role of the “alpha” dog. You cannot let your dog do whatever he/she wants to do. This is not to suggest that you attack or beat your dog, but you need to show disapproval for misbehaving. For example, say “NO” in a very stern voice.

3. Reward

Rewarding your dog will give you better and more effective results than punishing your dog. Notice that the stern “NO” mentioned above is not punishment. Punishment is hitting or beating a dog and is not acceptable. The stern “NO” is to let your dog know that you disapprove of his/her behavior. Dogs generally want to please their owners. So when your dog does something right, petting your dog, saying “Good Boy” or “Good Girl”, and giving your dog a treat will make your dog feel good and encourage more of the same good behavior.

4. Repetition

Use repetition and be consistent in your behavior dog training. Dogs learn by repetition – doing the same thing over and over. When your dog does something good that you want it to do, reward your dog. Be consistent. If you reward your dog one time, but not the next, your dog may become confused. Your dog may not understand what you want him/her to do. After all, you rewarded him/her one time, but ignored the same good behavior another time. Was it good behavior the first time? Your dog may not know.

There you have it. For dog training in general and behavior dog training in particular, remember “FARR”: Be Flexible, Assume the role of the “Alpha” dog, Use Rewards, and Use Repetition.

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