Dog Behavior » Behavior Modification Techniques

Will Ignoring Behavior Make it Stop?

Dr. Suzanne — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:07:25 +0000

The focus on more “positive” training methods in the last few years or so has been a good change for both dogs and their owners. “Corrections” are much over-rated and can never teach what you want your dog to do.

However, the other side of the “positive” coin is that if one ignores unwanted behavior it will disappear. Is this true or not?

Find out the answer in this 9th behavior tip about how best to stop unwanted behavior.

Then get the detailed information you need to use with your dog in our How Fido Learns Best 4 CD program

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Is your dog out of control at the door?

Dr. Suzanne — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:53:49 +0000

We call it chaos at the door. When the doorbell rings, does your dog run to the door, barking, maybe even growling with you running behind yelling at him to stop?

Or maybe your Fido isn’t that noisy when the bell rings, but he is all over visitors, jumping up, wanting to be the center of attention. And he may even dash out the door if he has the chance.

Of course you could train your dog to sit quietly – but that may be easier said than done and requires a time commitment. In this audio tip, we give you a very simple way to stop your dog’s unruly behavior almost immediately. This technique can also help fearful dogs as well.

This technique can also be used if your dog is threatening or aggressive at the door, but you should take other precautions as well to ensure the safety of your visitors.

Are you ready to hear about this easy procedure that even your children can use? Then turn up your speakers and listen up!

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We have even more strategies for controlling your dog at the door in our Chaos at the Door CD.

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Behavior and Training Tip # 1 – Giving Your Dog Feedback

Dr. Suzanne — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:39:49 +0000

We know you will enjoy this first Audio Tip about a very easy way to make good behavior from your dog happen more often.

Listen here
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“Dominance” Is Not an Explanation for Problem Behaviors

Dr. Suzanne — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:51:37 +0000

Readers prepare thyselves as post is a rant. Dan just returned from an appointment with a wonderfully dedicated owner whose dog is displaying symptoms of separation anxiety – becoming destructive and howling about 10 minutes after the owner leaves. Previously he had worked with an “animal behaviorist” (who wasn’t) who told him the dog needed “structure” and that he needed to be a better “pack leader”.

We just received a message in our inbox from a reader with an 8 month old kitten that her husband’s dog has been aggressive since they brought the cat into the home at 12 weeks. They consulted an “animal behaviorist” (who wasn’t) who they said was “quite aggressive” and into the “dominance stuff”. Their meeting apparently was not a pleasant experience.

Every day we fight the dominance myths.

Can You “Reward” Fear?

Dr. Suzanne — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:35:56 +0000

Many behavior problems in dogs involve emotional arousal. It is well known that emotions drive behaviors. If you are afraid of insects for example (Suzanne is a real ‘bug-a-phobe’!), you would have a difficult time holding still and being quiet if someone asked you to hold a spider in your hand. This would be virtually impossible for you if your fear is intense enough.

The same is true for our pets. If your dog is uncomfortable around children, asking him to ‘sit’ while a child pets him isn’t going to work well.