Dog Behavior Modification Is THE Answer

Dog behavior modification is a hot topic. Some people think that dogs should be allowed to be dogs, others think you need to break the dog's spirit to keep them under control, and still others are on the fence about the whole thing.

If you can't find an answer here, try asking a question in our mini-forum.

With an untrained, mischievous dog under foot, dog behavior modification will make life at home with your furry friend much more enjoyable! Dog ownership accounts for some of the most rewarding and also frustrating experiences in life.

Many dogs wind up at the SPCA or in the classified ads because of an owner who, at their wit's end, doesn't know what else to do with him. It really does take serious commitment to have a dog, understanding dog behavior, as well as time invested in turning him into the "perfect" pooch you've always wanted. All those dogs in the movies and TV shows you see? That's right... a TON of work went into training and preparing that dog for its role.

Enough with the downers! Look at the bright side - you can have a dog that listens well to you and isn't destructive in the home. Like I said, all it takes is a little training and a lot of practice.

Correcting dog behavior is sometimes as simple as understanding that something you are doing is causing the reaction in your dog. For example, if you pet the dog when he has his paws anywhere on your legs (greeting you at the door), you are inadvertently praising him for jumping!

When it comes to aggressive dog behavior, you should seek out the help of a professional dog trainer to first of all understand the nature of the aggression, and then in correcting dog behavior like this. While under-socialization as a young puppy is the most common reason for dog aggression, other reasons include:

• rough housing or play-fighting as a puppy
• history of abuse or trauma
• dog has been bitten or traumatized by another dog

1) Over-protective dog/people aggression - Your dog is overprotective of you, and very territorial. He won't let anyone new near you, and will growl and attempt to bite anyone who does.
Or perhaps he is only aggressive towards young children, or men.
2) Chasing and biting - Your dog chases people when they run or bike by, and tries to bite them. We would set up "real" scenarios so we can troubleshoot the problem.
3) Dog aggression - Your dog is aggressive towards other dogs only.

• nuisance barking
• chewing things like shoes, kleenex, furniture and even baseboards or chair legs
• digging in the backyard
• nipping or mouthing (putting his mouth on your arm/hand - not biting) your hands, feet and/or clothing
• jumping up on you, your children and guests
• marking in the house
• house training a puppy or an older dog
• stealing objects or not letting go of objects
• running away
• taking treats roughly

Get in touch with me and explain your situation. From there, we can book a private 1/2 hour consultation or behavior modification to target the problem that you're dealing with.

Read questions and answers that other visitors have shared about dog behavior problems. Maybe your dog drives the neighbors nuts with his incessant barking, or is trying to re-create the Grand Canyon in your backyard. Perhaps he prefers baseboards and furniture to chew toys. Anyone every heard of Marley? You get the idea...

Have A Dog Behavior Question?

Are you coming up empty for good answers on a dog behavior question you have? If your pooch is "in the dog house", ask me what you can do to improve his behavior. Go ahead, try me with your question. And feel free to "ask a question, answer a question", or comment on other dog owners' problems!

Explain what the problem is, in detail... when it occurs, what happens, your reaction, your dog's typical reaction, what you've tried in the past to fix it, and so on. You can't be too specific - the more we know, the easier we can help you!

Click below to see questions and contributions from other visitors to this page...

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