Piedmont is a city that loves its dogs. This is the first in an occasional series of Q&As about dog training and behavior featuring local trainer Jess Rollins.
Q: My dog seems to have me wrapped around his paw. He whines, jumps, and pesters until he gets what he wants. How do I have more peace and quiet?
A: If you think your dog’s training starts and ends when the treat pouch comes out, I have news for you: your dog is a 24/7 student of cause and effect. While you are busy with your life, your dog has exactly one full-time occupation: studying you. They are always learning which behaviors produce the results they want.
The law of what works
Your dog is an opportunist. They will repeat whatever produces a payoff. If jumping on you when the leash comes out leads to a walk, your dog has learned that being a nuisance is the most effective key to the front door. Conversely, if sitting calmly makes the door open for a walk, they will remember that.
Effective training isn’t just about when you are putting your dog through their sits and downs. It’s about being aware of what you are reinforcing during your daily routine: catching your dog doing something right, and avoiding accidentally rewarding behavior you don’t want.
Reward the good (aim for 20 times per day)
We tend to ignore our dogs when they are being good because they aren’t bothering us. That is exactly when you should be paying attention. When your dog is lying quietly while you watch TV, playing independently with a toy, greeting a stranger without jumping, or walking on a loose leash, reward it.
Rewards don’t have to be treats. Opening the door for a backyard romp, inviting your dog onto the couch, some petting, praise, or tossing a toy are all powerful reinforcers. Use whatever your dog actually wants at that moment.
One caution: watch for accidental punishment. If you call your dog to come and immediately do something they dislike (nail trims, a bath, ending a play session) you are quietly poisoning that recall. Your dog won’t forget. They’ll just start pretending not to hear you.
Stop the payoff to stop the behavior
To stop an unwanted behavior, it’s important to stop what’s making it work. If your dog barks in the crate and you let them out, you have just taught them that barking works. The behavior will get louder before it gets quieter: that’s normal. Wait it out, take three breaths, then reward the quiet. Better still, learn to anticipate the moment before any pestering starts and redirect your dog then.
For attention-seeking behaviors (jumping, begging, barking at you) remove your attention. Turn away, stay silent, don’t touch them. Take three breaths after they stop, then calmly re-engage.
The bottom line
Instead of just saying no, show your dog what to do instead. A dog that is sitting cannot simultaneously be jumping. Concentrate on building the behaviors you want, and the unwanted ones will begin to fade away. Your dog is always learning. The more you pay attention, the more you can help your dog learn what you want them to learn.
Jess Rollins offers private, in-home dog training in the Piedmont area. To schedule a free discovery call, visit Guidance Dog Training or text 510-545-3889.
Jess is a great dog trainer. She uses a blend of science and magic.