4 Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior in Your Dog

Let's be honest - no matter how much you adore your furry best friend, there are bound to be moments when he will need to be disciplined for bad behaviour. It's vital for your dog to understand what behaviour you like and dislike and act accordingly. There are many ways to do it, but what are the best ways to encourage positive behaviour in your pup? Let's find out!

4. Strengthen the Bond

The first step towards encouraging good behaviour is to spend quality time with your dog on a daily basis. When they sense that you care about them, they will return the same to you. Allowing them to build trust with you and become close to you helps deepen the connection and make sure that all the training is based on this.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to express love and forgiveness when they make a mistake. Your dog picks up on your emotions and understands what you communicate to him, and punishments can make matters even worse.

3. Reward Positive Behaviour

When we are praised, we feel good, and dogs are no exception. When your best friend shows good behaviour and performs anything well, don't forget to reward them. Now, you should definitely stock up on treats, but a reward doesn't necessarily have to be a treat every single time. It can also be praising them with words and petting them. Don't hesitate to let him or her know as much as needed that they have been a good doggo!

2. Ensure Daily Exercise

Daily exercise is not only important because of physical exercise needs, but it also plays an essential part in your dog's behaviour. Lack of exercise can contribute to various problem behaviours, including unruliness, hyperactivity, digging and chewing, and excitability. The amount of exercise your dog needs in a day is determined by their size and how energetic they are. Bigger dogs, for instance, will require more exercise than smaller dogs. You can play a game of fetch with them, take them on a walk, or let them run around the yard if you have one.

1. Fill Your Dog’s Social Needs

Dogs who spend plenty of time interacting with other dogs and people tend to be happier and healthier. Introduce them to other dogs and family members to get your dog to be sociable. This increases the likelihood of them developing good behaviours. This is especially important if you have to leave your dog alone at home for longer periods of time or if you’re considering lengthy crating sessions.

Bottom Line

Encouraging positive behaviour in your doggo is imperative when it comes to training him. But as you can see, there’s much more to it than going into the process with an optimistic mindset. Teaching him how to behave well will require time and patience. The good thing is, once you’ve taken all the essential steps and made sure your furry friend’s needs are met, you’re guaranteed to have a well-behaved and happy family member!

Do you need tools to help ensure good behaviour?

We’ve got your back. Here at Pawdyguard Australia, we provide dog owners with the essential dog accessories and tools they might need to help out with the training process, such as dog harnesses, leashes and collars.