puppies

Luna is available for adoption through ARF www.arfrincon.com
Photo curtesy of Lauren McLaughlin photography www.photographyLAM.com.

Often folks are encouraged to let dogs know that they are displeased or prefer that they don’t continue with certain behaviors by saying the word, “no.” The word, “no,” however is one that you might consider eliminating from your vocabulary with your pup.

“No” doesn’t tell the dog what exactly we don’t want him to do. It doesn’t let her know what we would like her to do. And, bonus, saying “no” actually acts as a reinforcer for the dog. When you say, “no” you are paying attention to your dog, you are speaking to your dog, and often the word is exclaimed with great enthusiasm which may seem exciting to your dog as well.

Instead, consider ignoring a behavior that you prefer not to see repeated. Without reinforcement, research shows that the behavior will extinguish. Furthermore, you can teach and put on cue an incompatible behavior as just as you can’t be in two places at once, you can’t do two opposing things at the same time (think sit & jump up).

Finally, catch your dog doing something right and praise and reward. After all, if you change your vocabulary to include more of the word, “yes” you will find you have a happier, healthier relationship with your pet.

PAW can help you get started on these changes today!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xBe6BLg5zI

Would you like your dog not to scavenge all types of disgusting (and sometimes dangerous) things from the ground? Impulse control can be taught quickly and easily with positive reinforcement. There is no need to  reprimand a dog, but rather you can teach your pup that good things happen when he makes the correct choice.

In this case, George is choosing to wait until he is given the food/treats. He knows that if he makes the decision to hold off and not try to scoff up the bits on the ground-or even the piece on his paw-that he can have them!  By making a good choice he gets what he wants-in this case a very desirable bit of hot dog!

If you would like your dog to behave with such nice “table” manners contact PAW-Positive Animal Wellness today!

Don’t like your dog jumping up? Resist punishing him/her, because this attention is precisely what your dog wants. The best thing to do is give your dog attention BEFORE he/she jumps. When they jump up, completely ignore them until they have 4 feet on the floor. At the EXACT moment that that occurs, have a party! Praise and show them that they don’t need to jump up to receive love. Be patient the first few times. Consistency and the speed of your attention as reward will show you the fruits of your labor. It works!

Thanks fellow PR KPA CTP Marla and Proyecto Maya (check out Proyecto Maya on FaceBook)!

No te gusta que tu perro te salude brincando? Resiste regañarlo, pues precisamente lo que busca es atención. Mejor intenta darle atención ANTES de que brinque. En el momento que brinca, ignóralo por completo hasta que sus 4 patas toquen el piso. En el INSTANTE que ocurra, hazle una fiesta! Agáchate tú para que él no tenga que brincar para recibir cariñitos. Se paciente las primeras veces. La consistencia y rápidez al recompensar con tu atención te darán frutos notables.