How to Break Your Dog’s Bad Habits

1 Breaking Dog Bad Habits

Correcting inappropriate elimination:

First shrink the dog’s roaming area to where you want it to go, then after two days reduce the newspaper coverage; when changing papers keep one with a urine mark, and reduce papers further only after the dog eliminates on them (gradually), slowly expanding the area.

Destruction:

Puppies are often destructive, especially fond of chewing furniture and slippers. When left alone they get unhappy from loneliness and chew to pass time.

Correction:

Confine the dog to a small area where it can’t destroy things, e.g., a crate; this gives security. Add radio/TV sound and toys or chew bones for best results.

This confinement is temporary; on return give more exercise and attention. If you catch it, shout ‘No!’ at once and lightly flick its nose as correction.

Greediness:

Greedy dogs eat anything; each successful steal deepens the habit into a chronic thief.

Correction:

Teach the dog to sit before eating, and always put food in its bowl – never feed from plates or the table. Once it learns that obeying the rules earns food, it won’t steal behind your back.

Excessive libido:

When natural release is restricted, it may rub on people’s legs or climb furniture. Intact male dogs of 1-2 years often do this.

Correction:

Spray the dog with a water bottle to divert attention, and apply some restraint so it learns this is bad; neutering avoids it entirely.

Loneliness:

Dogs often fear being alone; nervous ones left home alone may howl, especially those not socialized outdoors as puppies, or those rehomed several times. Such puppies are pitiable.

Correction:

Before leaving, give a special treat – rub a favorite toy in your hands and give it, or a marrow bone; don’t fuss or anger it on the way out. Crating it can give a sense of security.

Interest in trash:

Digging in trash is an inherited foraging habit from ancestors; puppies especially love to ‘treasure hunt,’ scattering garbage.

Correction:

Use a lidded, weighted trash can, or simply block access. If caught in the act, stop it at once, scold loudly, and send it slinking away.

Running off / chasing:

Don’t let it form habits of getting on beds or furniture; correct it the moment it jumps on the owner’s seat, or it’s hard to remove later. Dogs love to chase by nature, so if it learns to chase cars, bikes, or passersby, it’s unsafe and troublesome.

Correction:

Suddenly lengthen then sharply yank its leash while scolding; if that fails, tap its back with the leash; if still not, hold it and tap its nose.

Eating random things:

Licking things off the ground.

Correction:

Immediately pry the mouth open, dig the item out, scold firmly, and tap its chin; also check if it’s underfed. Best to build a habit of not eating outside, for safety and to avoid poisoning.

Note: there are no dogs that can’t learn, only owners who can’t teach. Be patient; dogs differ in aptitude. Trust them and give time. Even the cutest dog can form annoying habits in a confined home, so start obedience training early to prevent bad habits.