5 Ways To Encourage Positive Dog Behavior

Whether your pooch is 8 weeks or 8 years old, we all want a well-behaved dog. One that’s happy, secure and understands exactly how to behave to be that very good boy or girl.

But it’s not always smooth sailing.

Dealing with dog behavior problems is part of being an owner. It happens to us all!

No pooch is perfect, and neither are we! But what can we do, as owners, to encourage positive behavior from our pups?

Here are 5 tips on helping your furry family member be the best they can be, the quickfire guide to a well-behaved dog.

1) Start Small

Teaching your dog basic obedience has so many benefits, no matter their age.

It means they can start to understand what you want, and what’s expected of them. It challenges their mind and builds a stronger bond between you.

Having a few basic obedience moves up your sleeve, even just “sit”, “come” and “leave it” can help you manage your dog much more easily.

Start small, and build up your dog’s exposure.

The aim is to get them listening even with other distractions around. Soon you’ll be the best-behaved pair in the dog park.

2) Stay Positive

Research has shown that using positive reinforcement training with our pups is the way to go.

Training focused on encouraging good behaviors has been linked to lower aggression, lower stress, faster learning, and higher obedience.

Yes, please!

How to put it into practice? Try flipping your training mindset to a positive approach. Redirect destructive behavior to something you know your dog can do well. If something doesn’t work, take a few steps back.

Focus on the good stuff, and reward it.

2) Stay Positive

Research has shown that using positive reinforcement training with our pups is the way to go.

Training focused on encouraging good behaviors has been linked to lower aggression, lower stress, faster learning, and higher obedience.

Yes, please!

Focus on the good stuff, and reward it.

3) Stay Playful

All work and no play is not a lot of fun. It makes us grumpy, tired, and fed up. It’s the same for our dogs too.

Remember to break up training with energetic play sessions.

Learning new stuff is hard, no matter your dog’s age. So make sure to mix it up with bonding activities like fetch, tug of war, or whatever your dog enjoys most.

If your pup has aced their training session, pause on a positive note and have a well-deserved game. Let off some steam, ready to come back to lessons energized and raring to go.

Play can be a powerful reinforcement for good behavior and an incredible bonding experience, so don’t skip it.

3) Stay Playful

All work and no play is not a lot of fun. It makes us grumpy, tired, and fed up. It’s the same for our dogs too.

Remember to break up training with energetic play sessions.

Learning new stuff is hard, no matter your dog’s age. So make sure to mix it up with bonding activities like fetch, tug of war, or whatever your dog enjoys most.

If your pup has aced their training session, pause on a positive note and have a well-deserved game. Let off some steam, ready to come back to lessons energized and raring to go.

Play can be a powerful reinforcement for good behavior and an incredible bonding experience, so don’t skip it.

4) Get Them Moving

While they may not be perfect on the lead just yet, don’t let that stop you from getting some fresh air.

Animals and humans who exercise often experience a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression, the very things that can lead to a dog’s destructive behavior.

So make sure both you and your dog are getting a good run around!

And if pulling is an issue, using our TrueHarness can really help. Distributing weight evenly and safely, with a handle for extra control when you need it, the TrueHarness allows your dog to stay safe and under control when out and about.

4) Get Them Moving

While they may not be perfect on the lead just yet, don’t let that stop you from getting some fresh air.

Animals and humans who exercise often experience a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression, the very things that can lead to a dog’s destructive behavior.

So make sure both you and your dog are getting a good run around!

5) Spread The Love

As social animals, dogs need some special quality time to be at their best.

Make time for your dog. A cuddle with a cup of coffee, a quiet early morning stroll, or a playful wrestling match on the floor.

Show them they are loved, treasured, and adored. They will feel secure and at ease.

Reward their efforts, appreciate any signs of impulse control and shower them with affection when they please you, and they will keep doing more of the same.

With these 5 tips in your back pocket, you can really help your dog on their way to loads more positive behavior.

Work with heaps of consistency and a whole lot of love, and you’ll be on your way to the calm, happy & impeccably behaved pooch of your dreams.

5) Spread The Love

As social animals, dogs need some special quality time to be at their best.

Make time for your dog. A cuddle with a cup of coffee, a quiet early morning stroll, or a playful wrestling match on the floor.

Show them they are loved, treasured, and adored. They will feel secure and at ease.

Reward their efforts, appreciate any signs of impulse control and shower them with affection when they please you, and they will keep doing more of the same.

With these 5 tips in your back pocket, you can really help your dog on their way to loads more positive behavior.

Work with heaps of consistency and a whole lot of love, and you’ll be on your way to the calm, happy & impeccably behaved pooch of your dreams.