It is much easier to blame our dogs for being who they are and to not be accountable for their misbehavior. What takes a bit more conscious awareness and effort is to realize that our dogs are only acting a certain way because the behavior is being reinforced somehow.
Their misbehavior actually has nothing to do with them being a bad dog, a stubborn dog, a stupid dog, etc. Science says what is reinforced increases in frequency. Pay attention to what is happening after your dog is performing this behavior. This is probably what is reinforcing the behavior to happen again.
When we can determine what is reinforcing this behavior, we can change the contingency, and as a result, change the behavior. Of course to create the most success it is important to do dog training. Salt Lake City is where we have helped many of our clients.
If you need help, we can determine what is reinforcing your dog to misbehave and help you change this contingency.
We want to hear from you in a comment below.
What is reinforcing your dog to misbehave?
Namaste!
Johanna Teresi, Professional Dog Trainer and Owner of Four Legged Scholars LLC, Dog Training, Salt Lake City, Utah
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