Lack of physical exercise and/or mental stimulation alone can create or contribute to certain behavior problems. If physical exercise and mental stimulation are not addressed as part of a Treatment Plan, you will more than likely be treating only the symptom. If this happens, it is extremely likely that a different behavior problem will manifest as a result. Medical Issues Medical issues should also be considered when treating behavior problems. Some medical problems can cause pain, discomfort, and physical or emotional instability in puppies and dogs. Sometimes an experience observer can provide a great deal of insight when trying to determine if a dog is dealing with undiagnosed medical problem. Name 4 components that are addressed when treating behavior problems-also known as the Treatment Plan Positive Reinforcement of Alternate Behaviors Management and Setting the Dog up to Succeed Consequences for the Problem Behaviors Consistency in Dealing with Problem Behaviors Positive Reinforcement of Alternate Behaviors The majority of the behaviors we humans “problems” are typically normal dog behaviors that become inappropriate when demonstrated in our human environment. Behaviors like jumping, digging, chewing, etc. are all normal dog behaviors. Discovering and desensitizing the dog to the trigger may very well determine the success or failure of the Treatment Plan. SELF-REWARDING BEHAVIORS In addition, they are usually self-rewarding behaviors, which means the dog truly enjoys engaging in them. Management of the Problem and Setting the Dog up to Succeed Dog owners need to be educated about the importance of management and
Important Note: Educate your clients consistently giving their dogs sufficient exercise on a daily basis. Different dogs have different exercise requirements. If a dog with a high exercise requirement does not have the opportunity to expend his energy in an acceptable fashion (i.e., playing with other dogs at doggie day care, going for a two-mile jog (not walk), or playing fetch nonstop for 30 minutes), it will be difficult to control behaviors such as jumping. Training Tip: The owner should always be aware of the location of the rope in relation to her feet. It is very easy for an owner to become tangled in the rope and be pulled off her feet when the dog takes off chasing a toy. Positive Punishment Techniques: Below is a list of positive punishment and negative reinforcement training techniques that some trainers use to treat problem jumping. ABC is not encouraging the use of techniques as primary training tools; however, we do believe that ABC Certified Dog Trainers should have a complete education. Remember that “reactions” or corrections to jumping do not replace actual training where the dog learns not to jump even when excited or distracted. VERBAL CORRECTION- The dog must have a clear understanding of the word in order for this techniques to be effective. If the dog does not immediately stop jumping after a firm verbal correction (“No” or “Eh-Eh”), try a different technique. If the dog does stop jumping, make sure he has all four paws on the floor before instructing the owner to give the conditioned reinforcer and unconditioned reinforcer or to interact with him in any way. The owner should remove all attention the instant he begins to jump again. SQUIRTING IN THE DOG’S FACE- The instant the dog jumps up, squirt him in the face. Do not aim for his eyes! Do not add anything to the water! This should cause him
Make the furniture less comfortable A piece of carpet runner turned prickly-side-up or even something as simple as aluminum foil placed over furniture can also be effective on some dogs. Important Note: CONSEQUENCES ARE NOT THE SOLUTION! The solution is not just to get a static mat or motion sensor. It is not just to put the dog on a leash and keep him tethered all the time. The solution is not just to praise the dog when he is by the couch or chair and not jumping up. The solution is to do all of these things consistently in the proper order. As an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, it is your responsibility to help your clients understand that a puzzle is only complete when all the pieces are put together. Consistency in Dealing with jumping on the furniture: Finish the sentence: Simply put, most dogs truly enjoy engaging in these “problem” behaviors and will not miss an opportunity to partake in them. COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WHEN JUMPING ON THE FURNITURE 1. PROBLEM-My dog growls at me when I try to remove him from the furniture. SOLUTIONS This is more than just jumping on the furniture problem. This is a relationship problem. Instruct the to focus on Leadership Exercises and to make the furniture less comfortable by using upside-down carpet runners. Do not use positive punishment or negative reinforcement techniques on this dog. 2. PROBLEM-I cannot keep the dog off the furniture; every time I turn my back, up he goes. SOLUTIONS Go over the four components of problem solving with the Determine which of the steps the owner is being inconsistent with (i.e., positive reinforcement of alternate behaviors, management, consequences or consistency.)