Trying to Train While 'Bad' Behaviors Happen? Try This Instead

Too often as pup parents, we try to fix or train “bad” behaviors while they are happening. Unfortunately, we often feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, and downright frustrated in the heat of those moments. So in this article, we’re going to discuss alternatives to better set your dog up for success. And, I’m going to give you a sports reference that just might make this concept click (it’s not actually “sports heavy” don’t worry 😜)! Here’s some of what we will cover: -What my high school soccer coach really understood -Why it’s too hard to train during the “bad” behaviors -Create a plan and practice, practice, practice Let’s get right to it! ⬇️ In the heat of the moment, our dogs become much more difficult to communicate with. And to make matters worse, when your pup starts doing that behavior that drives you crazy, YOU become not so good at communicating. (It’s not a personal knock, just a reality of being human.😃) As soon as your puppy starts to jump on guests, feelings of embarrassment and frustration often flood your brain. You seem to forget about all the training techniques you spent hours learning about. It is tough! And that’s why you need a plan… ⏬ CREATE A PLAN AND PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE While I won’t dive into specific training techniques (you can sign up for the free 30 Day Perfect Pup course for that), I will implore you to create a plan and practice behaviors NOT when they are actually occurring. If you’re struggling with your pup jumping on guests when they come through the door, the time to train to overcome that behavior is NOT when guests are coming through the door. Here’s what I mean. 👇 If you want your dog to lay on their bed/place when guests come in the door, you need to start by building a strong foundation for the ‘place’ behavior with zero distractions. (That will take time, by the way.) Then, once they’ve got place down pretty well you can start to add small distractions. Then when they’ve got that down you can add larger distractions. At that point, you can start to set up “mock” door greetings. Try it first with someone in your household (if possible). Have them go outside, knock on the door, and then enter with you there coaching and guiding your pup on what to do. Once they’re improving on staying in their place when someone they’re familiar with comes in the door, it’s time for the next level of “mock” door greetings. Find a family member, friend, or easily convinced neighbor to help you practice the behavior! Explain to them in detail what will be happening and how you want them to behave in this “mock” door greeting. If the dog jumps, tell them to turn their back or even go outside. Instruct them not to look at or pet your dog unless they are in their place.  This type of planned-out practice is how you ultimately help train your dog to not jump on guests. While just trying to redirect or stop the jumping while it’s happening will not be as successful! If you need help with a training plan, be sure to sign up for 30 Day Perfect Pup taught by Zak George! It’s a 100% free (no credit card required) online dog training course complete with videos, daily tips, and an ebook. Sign up for free here! https://pfrd.site/pupsclass-here