How to Discipline Your Dog

If your dog is a dog at all then chances are he has some bad habits that drive you up the wall from time to time. He barks incessantly at the mailman, gets into the trash and fights with his siblings. He chews on inappropriate items and sometimes even mounts your leg. So what's a dog owner to do? Rather than screaming at him and chasing him about the house it's time to get creative. Here are 4 common doggie habits you can break with creative discipline methods:

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1. Incessant barking: When your pet gets riled up and barks constantly at the slightest distraction there is a simple solution that does not require you going hoarse yelling at him to stop. Rinse out an empty soda can, fill it one quarter full with buttons, pennies or other small hard items and tape it shut. When your dog starts barking walk up to him, firmly say no and shake the can vigorously. Your dog will be surprised by the sound and stop barking. The moment he stops give him a treat and some praise to keep him from resuming his behavior. This method is great because you were able to stop a bad behavior and then encourage a positive one. As is the case with the spray bottle, your dog will begin to stop barking when he sees you move towards him with the can.

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2. Playing too rough with your other pets: If your dog has a tendency to corner the family cat or fight with your other dog then a simply spray bottle or quirt gun will perform miracles for you. Try purchasing a small spray bottle designed for wetting hair and setting the nozzle to spray (not mist) and squirt your dog from the comfort of your own armchair. It is best to do this when rough play first appears rather than waiting for a full blown dog fight as those are more difficult to break up an might require more than a squirt in the face. If timed properly a squirt to the face will almost always cause your dog to stop what he is doing and run from the spray. The best part about this method is that your dog will eventually stop and run at the sight of you picking up the bottle. Note that he will fear the bottle and not you so he does not associate the punishment with you.

3. Chewing on inappropriate items: This problem can be especially frustrating if the item in question is a piece of furniture or something else of considerable expense. There are products on the market that are non-toxic, but taste terrible to dogs. These products are inexpensive and come in convenient spray bottles. Simply spray the solution on items your dog chews on and shouldn't and sit back and relax. Your dog will find the taste unpleasant and discontinue his destruction.

4. Getting into the trash: Even the most well behaved dog might be tempted to get at something in the trash can. Your dog has an acute sense of smell and can be tempted to go after delicious leftovers discarded in the rubbage bin from time to time. If you have tried cans with lids to no avail, never fear, there is a more creative solution. Before you leave the house construct a pyramid of empty soda cans on top of the trash can lid and go about your exit from the house. If your dog knocks over the can to get at a tasty piece of trash then the pyramid of cans will fall on top of him. The resulting commotion will be unsettling to your dog cause him to think twice about doing it again. If this does not work simply repeat with more cans the next time.

The beauty of these methods is that they do not involve physical punishment to your dog. They are simply unpleasant stimuli resulting from a bad behavior. Your dog will not associate you with physical pain as he would if you smacked him with your hand or a rolled up newspaper. Discipline is essential in raising a well adjusted and obedient dog; however, physical punishment can cause your dog to fear you in the future. Dogs will often bite out of fear so always try to be firm with your dog without instilling fear in your friend.

How to Discipline Your Dog

Benjamin Velner is the expert of dog training and author of this article. A good site to visit: http://www.dogproblems.com

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Teach Your Dog Not To Jump - 5-Minute Dog Discipline Techniques That Will Last Your Dog's Lifetime

Dogs get excited. They just do. The problem is when they get so excited that they will jump at full force at you or other folks. So how do you teach your dog not to jump at people? Are there dog discipline techniques that are simple yet effective for your dog's lifetime?

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Here are 3 simple steps you can take to teach your dog not to jump at anyone --

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1. Use a leash as a control tool

The end-goal is for your dog to stay on all fours or on its hind. So, at least during the training period, have your dog wear its leash.

Here's what you do. Hold the leash so that your dog has a bit of slack but not enough to jump all the way up. Every time it tries to do so, restrain it by the leash and collar. Then say in a firm voice "Down". It cannot stay in mid-air and will be forced to get down. This is what you want.

Do this often enough that your dog understands the command means he or she has to get back on all paws or on its hind.

2. Make the jump unrewarding

To teach your dog not to jump, remember to never touch your dog or make eye contact when it jumps up at you. The moment he or she is down on all fours or on its hind, pat it, praise it, give it a yummy treat. This way, your dog will learn it's not rewarding to jump up. And much more lucrative to be on all fours or on its hind.

3. Cover all scenarios

Do exactly as described above in steps 1 and 2 in various situations and with different people. Outdoors, indoors, with family members, with guests. The idea you want to convey to it when you teach your dog not to jump is that being on all its feet or on its hind is the best behavior expected of it.

Needless to say, whatever you do, be consistent in your dog discipline lessons as above. And, never ever use physical force or shout when you teach your dog not to jump. You don't want to scare your dog or injure it. Or worst, make it fearful of you.

Just consistently and persistently apply these simple dog discipline techniques, and you will soon see good results.

You will be a happier owner for it, and your dog in turn will be a happier pet. Try these techniques to teach your dog not to jump for yourself!

Teach Your Dog Not To Jump - 5-Minute Dog Discipline Techniques That Will Last Your Dog's Lifetime

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How to train your dog not to bark at strangers and other dogs How to house train a dog How to get your dog to respond to commands even when it's nowhere near you How to teach your dog to stop destructive and attention seeking behaviors How to overcome every disobedient behavior your dog could potentially develop over its lifetime, and much, much more...

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