Tips for Using Basic Discipline Techniques on Your Dog

It can be difficult to know what to do when your dog is acting out, especially if you are feeling frustrated. These tips for using basic discipline techniques on your dog may help you to set your feelings to the side and gain confidence in your disciplining style.

Redirect Bad Behavior

If your dog is acting out in front of you, one method that may benefit him/her is redirection. Although this doesn’t address the behavioral issue right away, helping to redirect stops the negative behavior your dog displays. In turn, you may be saving yourself from having belongings in your home damaged or your dog’s safety compromised. Using a favorite toy is a great way to try this method. Simply tell your dog “no,” so that they understand what they are doing is negative behavior. After you have created some distance between your dog and the scene of the crime, proceed to give them their toy and tell them that it’s okay to take their energy out on the toy instead of pouring it into their negative behavior.

Stay Consistent

Behavioral problems with your dog can add stress to your life. However, it’s encouraged that you stay consistent with them despite the exhaustion it may bring. Staying consistent gives your dog a sense of structure. Structure will help your dog to understand and expect consistent discipline every time they act out. In turn, knowing what to expect will help to establish trust between you and your dog. On the other hand, there are dog training mistakes you should avoid, such as using different forms of discipline on various occasions. This lack of consistency may break your dog’s trust in you. They may learn that they can take advantage of you and get away with negative behaviors, and will attempt to push past boundaries.

Keep Time in Mind

It’s best to discipline your dog no more than 10 seconds after the negative behavior has happened. Try not to wait 10 minutes after the behavior has happened to discipline. If you wait too long, your dog may have already forgotten what he/she did and, as a result, feel confused and anxious about your discipline. Discipling sooner rather than later helps your dog process what they did and the consequences. Instead of feeling anxious, they will feel secure knowing there’s a reason for their consequences.

Tackling your dog’s bad behavior can certainly be an undertaking. Try taking it one day at a time and following these tips for using basic discipline techniques on your dog. The bond and trust you will build with your dog will be a reward worth working toward.