Pet Peeves: 5 Ways To Control Your Dog's Bad Habits -

5 Ways To Control Your Dog’s Bad Habits

Our canine companions can have bad habits. Whether they are chewing on inappropriate objects, barking when someone comes to visit or during rides in the car, begging for table scraps, or urinating inside the house, your dog is trying to tell you something as opposed to just trying to be naughty. Luckily for most of us, dogs do respond to behavioral conditioning. Here are five ways that you can control your dog’s bad habits.

Spend Time Playing Or Walking With Your Dog

If your dog is chewing on things, he could be bored and have too much pent-up energy that is not being burned off. Take some time out of your day to spend playing with your dog. Go out in the yard, on a trail, or to a dog park with your pooch and let him run off that excess energy. Bring one or two of his favorite toys for your dog to play with, as this makes getting exercise all the more fun. If you have children, bring them along so that they can also spend time running off their extra energy.

Use Positive Reinforcements To Control Your Dog’s Bad Habits

Favorite toys and treats are great tools for rewarding good behavior. Be consistent. Training your dog to sit, stay, or not bark should always involve the same method and type of reward. If you are concerned about your dog’s severe behavioral issues, ask your vet for recommendations and resources to help you address your dog’s specific behavioral needs.

Deter Chewing/Biting With Bitter-Tasting Spray

Dogs that bite or chew on furniture, carpet, clothes, or other household objects could simply be bored, but there could be deeper issues, such as Pica. One way to stop chewing and biting is by using a bitter-tasting spray.

Securely Introduce Them At The Door

If your dog barks when the doorbell rings, trying slowly introducing them to newcomers coming into your home. Leash them, have them focus on you while you open the door, and keep trying this tactic until your dog stops barking whenever the doorbell rings.

Remain Calm And Concise

To stop your dog from jumping on you (or on others), stand straight, walk straight ahead, and don’t touch your dog. Prompt them with commands and reward them for good behavior.

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Kara Masterson

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah. She enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.