{"id":1449,"date":"2020-03-26T20:42:27","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T20:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1449"},"modified":"2020-03-26T20:42:27","modified_gmt":"2020-03-26T20:42:27","slug":"ignore-the-bad-and-reinforce-good-dog-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/ignore-the-bad-and-reinforce-good-dog-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"Ignore the Bad, and Reinforce Good Dog Behavior \ufeff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to get what you want is to ignore the things you don\u2019t. This is true in so many aspects of life, but especially so in the world of dog ownership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a doubt, getting to the root of dog behavior isn\u2019t always as straightforward. And yet, there are multiple ways you can encourage positive dog behavior at home \u2013 and in public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They Can\u2019t Help It (Most of the Time)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs don\u2019t always look for trouble, but they certainly find it from time to time. At the intersection of curiosity and opportunity, dogs might do things that go against our wishes. The trick is, though, that most of them don’t even realize they’re misbehaving<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Positive Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Positive training techniques involve rewarding the behaviors you like, and ignoring the ones you don\u2019t. In doing so, you establish an understanding with your dog. The reward (whether a tasty treat, a scratch on the head, or enthusiastic praise) is a tool that helps encourage repeated behavior in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Same, but Different<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a negative or unwanted dog behavior is ignored, they are less likely to repeat it. Positive training (also called positive reinforcement, reward-based, force-free, etc.) can be paired with withdrawal of attention, a meaningful object, or a special opportunity to guide a dog toward better choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A traditional approach to establishing positive dog behavior may involve exerting dominance and control over the dog. However, this old-school methodology seems to not only backfire but can inhibit the development of this mutually beneficial relationship<\/a>.\u00a0 Modern dog trainers know from experience that owners can influence canine behavior without the use of force or punishment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog Behavior at It\u2019s Best<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care<\/a>, we recognize the importance of positive behavioral training methods<\/a>. To that end, we recommend the following 4 ways to encourage positive behavior in your dog:
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