5 Ways Your Are Ruining Your Dog

I've already written about 8 Things That Drive Your Dog Crazy, Top Ten Rules For Children Around Dogs and Why Socializing Your Dog With Other Dogs is Important. All of these are important topics to raising a well-rounded, balanced dog. But, one topic I have yet to write about are human behaviors that are downright ruining the dog. There are many of these behaviors, but I will just focus on the five most prevalent:

1. Yelling at an aggressive / barking dog: This just doesn't work, because your dog doesn't speak human. Dogs that are barking excitedly or fearfully are stressed out. When you yell at them while they are barking, you are just adding to the stress which ultimately leads to more barking. They basically think, "Oh, hey! Now I have my human barking too! Yes!" A better idea is to distract your dog from whatever is causing the barking with their favorite game. OR, even better, teach your dog how to bark on command. I know this seems counter intuitive, but if you are teaching your dog how to bark on command, you are also teaching the "no bark" command. 😉
2. Punishing Your Dog After The Incident. If you have discovered that your dog has chewed up your favorite shoes or exploded garbage all over the kitchen hours after the incident, it's too late. Your dog will not know why you are punishing them. Their memory is not that long term and they will associate the punishment with whatever is happening at the moment-- which could be you approaching them. You need to catch your dog exactly at the moment of action. At that point, instead of punishment, you should use redirection or a command such as "drop it". With a reward once the behavior is corrected. 
3. Comforting Your Dog When They Are Scared. Comforting = attention in the dog world. If you are comforting your dog when they are scared, you are basically rewarding their scared behavior. Be aware of the tone in your voice as well. Most humans will use a higher pitched, "baby talk" when trying to calm their dog. This just sounds like whining to your dog. Which, in turn, escalates their nervousness. A more positive way of helping your scared dog is to act normal during a scary event. You can even distract them by playing a game you would normally play. Just make sure you keep your own behavior in check (normal energy level and a calmness). Also, never force your dog to confront whatever is scary. 
4. Scolding Your Dog For Peeing On The Floor. There are many reasons why your dog may be peeing on the floor: territorial marking, health issues, not completely potty trained, ect. You must first assess why your dog in urinating inappropriately. One reason that often gets overlooked is Submissive Urination. Your dog is urinating on the floor to show you that you are in charge. In this situation, the worst thing you can do is stand over your dog, yelling at them and challenging them with direct eye contact. Instead, upon greeting them at the door, you should get down to their level by kneeling and avoid making eye contact or another option is to completely ignore until they are calm. 
5. Do Not Use Your Dog's Name In A Negative Way. Using your dog's name to call them before a bad experience will just make them avoid coming to you. Period. Example: Your dog hates baths. Calling them to come to you and then putting them in the tub is a bad idea. 

I hope these bring a little light into the world of a dog's mind. Please remember that if you make a mistake, it's ok. Just remember to move forward and do better next time! Speaking different languages often results in miscommunication. With a little insight, we can help your furry family member become a well adjusted, balanced family member.