Teach
your Dog to "Say Please"
Form a list of the items or events that are most valuable to your dog. Require that your dog “say please” by sitting or lying down to earn access to those items or events. The reward is the event itself, so no treats are necessary. If your dog doesn’t respond to your first cue, simply walk away, ignore your dog for fifteen seconds and then try again.
Catch your Dog Being Good
We tend to notice our dogs when they are behaving improperly. Try to be more aware of the things your dog does right. Reward those behaviors with treats or praise. The more you reward those positive behaviors, the more likely they will be to happen again.
Calm Gets you Everything, Noisy Gets
you Nothing
If your dog demands your attention by barking, whining, or jumping up, simply ignore him. Withhold all types of attention by turning your head, turning your back, or leaving the room if necessary. Pay attention to your dog only after he has abandoned those pushy behaviors.
Control Mealtimes
Teach your dog to willingly get off the
couch or bed when you ask by simply throwing a treat off the couch
or bed and using the cue "off".
Control Playtime
Start and end playtime on your terms. Only allow access to toys when you have deemed playtime appropriate and remove toys when playtime is over.
Exchange Game
The quickest way to teach your dog to become possessive when he has something in his mouth is by rushing towards him, or trying to pry the item from his mouth. Instead, you should teach your dog to eagerly exchange objects with you. Teach your dog to willingly drop any valued item (food, toys, bones) in exchange for a treat.
Excuse Me
Dogs need to be taught to relinquish their space to the human members of the family. Discourage your dog from rushing up the stairs in front of you by blocking them with your body. Teach your dog to get off the couch or bed when requested. Teach your dog to wait patiently at doorways
Mental Exercise
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Mental exercise can come in many forms, including training, food dispensing toys, or games like hide n’ seek.
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