14 Doggone Bad Habits to Fix in Your Pooch
Try these training tips for a happier home for both homeowner and beloved pet
For all the joy they bring, dogs can also push the boundaries of good behaviour if they are given half the chance. Without a nudge in the right direction – in a language they understand – dogs are quick to take the spot of top dog and rule the kingdom (your house) as their own. These training tips and ideas will have your dog happily toeing the line, and make those frustrating habits – holes in the garden, barking at passersby, ‘accidents’ inside – things of the past.
Dog won’t drink out of her water bowl
Be sure the dog’s water bowl is ceramic, glass or stainless steel. A plastic water bowl often gives the water an odour that’s off-putting to dogs. Change the water often and clean the bowl, making sure there is no detergent residue.
Be sure the dog’s water bowl is ceramic, glass or stainless steel. A plastic water bowl often gives the water an odour that’s off-putting to dogs. Change the water often and clean the bowl, making sure there is no detergent residue.
Dog says no to toilet training
Vigilance is the only solution until your dog works out he or she has to go outside. Giving them the run of the house makes it impossible to catch your dog in the act (sniffing around, looking for a good spot to go, or the beginning of a squat all call for instant action). Cordon off an area around you, and take your dog out regularly for toilet breaks.
Puppies respond well to crate training – they don’t like to soil where they sleep – and routines. Don’t get angry if your dog has an accident. Take them outside and praise them lavishly when they do the right thing. Don’t expect miracles from puppies – some take months to get the idea. Rest assured that your patience will be well rewarded.
Tip: Clean up any accidents with white vinegar. Many cleaning products contain ammonia, which – to a dog – smells a little like urine. If the area continues to smell, your dog will think it’s the place to go again.
Vigilance is the only solution until your dog works out he or she has to go outside. Giving them the run of the house makes it impossible to catch your dog in the act (sniffing around, looking for a good spot to go, or the beginning of a squat all call for instant action). Cordon off an area around you, and take your dog out regularly for toilet breaks.
Puppies respond well to crate training – they don’t like to soil where they sleep – and routines. Don’t get angry if your dog has an accident. Take them outside and praise them lavishly when they do the right thing. Don’t expect miracles from puppies – some take months to get the idea. Rest assured that your patience will be well rewarded.
Tip: Clean up any accidents with white vinegar. Many cleaning products contain ammonia, which – to a dog – smells a little like urine. If the area continues to smell, your dog will think it’s the place to go again.
Dog sleeps on the bed when you’re not home
If your dog can come and go from the house when you’re not home, that is one lucky dog, but it doesn’t mean the rules should go out the window. Dogs love sleeping on our beds when we’re away (and when we’re home, for that matter) because the beds smell like us. Set up a camera to snoop on what your dog does when you’re away (hilarious), keep the door closed to your room, or give in and throw a protective blanket over the bed when you leave home.
If your dog can come and go from the house when you’re not home, that is one lucky dog, but it doesn’t mean the rules should go out the window. Dogs love sleeping on our beds when we’re away (and when we’re home, for that matter) because the beds smell like us. Set up a camera to snoop on what your dog does when you’re away (hilarious), keep the door closed to your room, or give in and throw a protective blanket over the bed when you leave home.
Dog doesn’t come when called
Some dogs don’t see the point of coming when you call. The problem? It’s not enticing enough. Make it exciting, use healthy treats as rewards and practise for 10 minutes every day. Once your dog’s mastered that – throw a ball to make a game of it – take your training session out to the park. Put pooch on a long leash (rope works) and give a little tug to encourage them to return when you request it, and reward with a treat. Practise makes perfect. Before too long your furry friend will be racing back to you every time you ask – you’re just so much fun to be around, after all.
Some dogs don’t see the point of coming when you call. The problem? It’s not enticing enough. Make it exciting, use healthy treats as rewards and practise for 10 minutes every day. Once your dog’s mastered that – throw a ball to make a game of it – take your training session out to the park. Put pooch on a long leash (rope works) and give a little tug to encourage them to return when you request it, and reward with a treat. Practise makes perfect. Before too long your furry friend will be racing back to you every time you ask – you’re just so much fun to be around, after all.
Dog runs away at bath time
Two words: doggie treats. Once your dog associates having a wash with good times (i.e. food) they’ll be more willing to tolerate it. They may never love it, but at least bath time will be easier. I also find it helpful to chat away in soothing tones while I wash to take my dogs’ minds off it. Maybe it’s the tone of voice, maybe I’m just super interesting, but it works.
Two words: doggie treats. Once your dog associates having a wash with good times (i.e. food) they’ll be more willing to tolerate it. They may never love it, but at least bath time will be easier. I also find it helpful to chat away in soothing tones while I wash to take my dogs’ minds off it. Maybe it’s the tone of voice, maybe I’m just super interesting, but it works.
Your outside dog whines to come inside
Many people opt to keep their pets outside, but you can understand the attraction of coming inside, especially if they’re out there on their own (they’re pack animals, after all). Make being outside fun with toys, provide a sheltered spot to sleep and, ideally, get them a canine companion to keep loneliness at bay. Toys with hidden treats inside and bones to chew on will keep them busy for at least a little while.
Many people opt to keep their pets outside, but you can understand the attraction of coming inside, especially if they’re out there on their own (they’re pack animals, after all). Make being outside fun with toys, provide a sheltered spot to sleep and, ideally, get them a canine companion to keep loneliness at bay. Toys with hidden treats inside and bones to chew on will keep them busy for at least a little while.
Dog follows you everywhere
If you’re constantly tripping over your dog and he or she follows you from room to room (even the bathroom), guess what? Your canine loves being with you. Enjoy it!
If you’re constantly tripping over your dog and he or she follows you from room to room (even the bathroom), guess what? Your canine loves being with you. Enjoy it!
Dog is hungry all the time
If you’ve dewormed your dog, they get adequate nutrition and yet they still salivate and stare at you with pleading eyes every time you eat, it’s time to face facts – your dog is a glutton. Begging at the dinner table is not okay, however, so banish your dog outside during mealtimes or issue a firm reprimand when the begging behaviour begins.
Again, it’s important that everyone is on board with this one – if one household member slips Fido treats under the table during dinner, your efforts will be for naught.
Nifty homes for your dog’s bowl
If you’ve dewormed your dog, they get adequate nutrition and yet they still salivate and stare at you with pleading eyes every time you eat, it’s time to face facts – your dog is a glutton. Begging at the dinner table is not okay, however, so banish your dog outside during mealtimes or issue a firm reprimand when the begging behaviour begins.
Again, it’s important that everyone is on board with this one – if one household member slips Fido treats under the table during dinner, your efforts will be for naught.
Nifty homes for your dog’s bowl
Dog refuses to go to bed
Starting as you mean to go on is the way to do it. If you’ve just brought a puppy or a new adult dog home, establish the routine from the get-go and don’t force them into an enclosed space. Offer treats and encouragement, toys and comfort, and let them make the decision.
Begin by leaving the door open so he or she can come and go without fear of being locked in, then move to closing the door for short periods. Before long they’ll look forward to a bedtime treat and will sleep peacefully the whole night through. The same approach can be taken with dogs already living with you – it may just take a little longer.
Tip: If your new dog whines and cries and tugs at your heart strings during the first night or two once they’re in bed, don’t cave in. They’ll soon learn this is where they spend the night and be completely okay with it. When dogs know what the rules are, and they are consistent, they are content.
Starting as you mean to go on is the way to do it. If you’ve just brought a puppy or a new adult dog home, establish the routine from the get-go and don’t force them into an enclosed space. Offer treats and encouragement, toys and comfort, and let them make the decision.
Begin by leaving the door open so he or she can come and go without fear of being locked in, then move to closing the door for short periods. Before long they’ll look forward to a bedtime treat and will sleep peacefully the whole night through. The same approach can be taken with dogs already living with you – it may just take a little longer.
Tip: If your new dog whines and cries and tugs at your heart strings during the first night or two once they’re in bed, don’t cave in. They’ll soon learn this is where they spend the night and be completely okay with it. When dogs know what the rules are, and they are consistent, they are content.
Dog thinks they’re human – and expects to be treated accordingly
As much as you love your dog, it’s vital he or she isn’t overindulged with food, attention and lax rules. Spoilt dogs often end up displaying aggression towards their owners and others, along with numerous other behavioural problems. If there isn’t a boss in the house, your dog will step in and take up the role. Assert authority kindly and firmly and let them know who’s in charge. They’ll love you all the more for it.
As much as you love your dog, it’s vital he or she isn’t overindulged with food, attention and lax rules. Spoilt dogs often end up displaying aggression towards their owners and others, along with numerous other behavioural problems. If there isn’t a boss in the house, your dog will step in and take up the role. Assert authority kindly and firmly and let them know who’s in charge. They’ll love you all the more for it.
Dog barks at … pretty much anything
Barking dogs are annoying for you, and they don’t make you too popular with the neighbours. One option is to restrict your dog’s movement to the rear of the house so they can’t bark at passersby. Another effective strategy is hiding out of sight and making a loud and scary noise every time he or she starts barking – barking will soon lose its attraction. This approach takes time and vigilance, however, and requires you to be at home for an extended period for the lesson to sink in. A water pistol strategically aimed to stop a barking dog in its tracks requires the same vigilance, but is also effective.
Tip: If all else fails, look into anti-bark collars. There are even anti-barking apps that issue ear-piercing (to your dog) sounds when they start barking, but the reviews for their effectiveness are mixed.
Barking dogs are annoying for you, and they don’t make you too popular with the neighbours. One option is to restrict your dog’s movement to the rear of the house so they can’t bark at passersby. Another effective strategy is hiding out of sight and making a loud and scary noise every time he or she starts barking – barking will soon lose its attraction. This approach takes time and vigilance, however, and requires you to be at home for an extended period for the lesson to sink in. A water pistol strategically aimed to stop a barking dog in its tracks requires the same vigilance, but is also effective.
Tip: If all else fails, look into anti-bark collars. There are even anti-barking apps that issue ear-piercing (to your dog) sounds when they start barking, but the reviews for their effectiveness are mixed.
Dog urinating in the wrong spot
Once your dog gets used to urinating in one area, they will continue to do so unless they learn it’s a no-no. Dead patches of lawn and in the garden often result. Retrain your dog to go elsewhere by clipping them on a leash, taking them to the right spot, and rewarding them (over several weeks) when they do what you ask. An aural cue such as saying “Wee-wee time!” can help. Disguise the smell of their usual spot with a spray of cayenne pepper mixed with water or a commercial product – there are many available.
Once your dog gets used to urinating in one area, they will continue to do so unless they learn it’s a no-no. Dead patches of lawn and in the garden often result. Retrain your dog to go elsewhere by clipping them on a leash, taking them to the right spot, and rewarding them (over several weeks) when they do what you ask. An aural cue such as saying “Wee-wee time!” can help. Disguise the smell of their usual spot with a spray of cayenne pepper mixed with water or a commercial product – there are many available.
Dog gets separation anxiety
It’s not much fun for dogs to be left at home by themselves, but some dogs take missing you to extreme levels. You’re likely to come home to chewed shoes, holes in the lawn, and a dog who becomes prone to obsession. Other than getting your dog a friend, the next best way to ensure their wellbeing when you’re away from home is to wear them out before you go. Go to a dog park and let them run themselves ragged with other dogs and they’ll be happier to sleep the day away until you return.
It’s not much fun for dogs to be left at home by themselves, but some dogs take missing you to extreme levels. You’re likely to come home to chewed shoes, holes in the lawn, and a dog who becomes prone to obsession. Other than getting your dog a friend, the next best way to ensure their wellbeing when you’re away from home is to wear them out before you go. Go to a dog park and let them run themselves ragged with other dogs and they’ll be happier to sleep the day away until you return.
Prevent boredom with bones and toys, limit as much as possible the hours they’re home alone (consider inviting another dog to play for the day), and take them for another walk or spend some time throwing the frisbee or ball for them on your return (along with plenty of pats and attention). A tired dog is a well-behaved and happy dog.
Pet-friendly ideas that encourage outdoor play
Pet-friendly ideas that encourage outdoor play
TELL US
Share the tips that have worked for you and your dog in the Comments – and we’d love you to post a photo of your dog as well!
MORE
10 Things Homeowners with Dogs Know to be True
Share the tips that have worked for you and your dog in the Comments – and we’d love you to post a photo of your dog as well!
MORE
10 Things Homeowners with Dogs Know to be True
Whether you want to ban your dog from the sofa entirely or establish an invitation-only set-up is up to you. While you’re trying to put good habits in place and let your pooch know who’s boss, however, it’s important to be consistent and keep them off the couch completely until they get the idea. When you can see them about to jump up or catch them mid jump, issue a firm reprimand (’bah’ in your best growly voice works well, or a simple ‘no’). Second-best is reprimanding when your dog is already nestled comfortably on the couch.
Tip: If you’re the only one in the household enforcing the rules, or you give in and cuddle up with your dog on the couch when you feel like it, they find it hard to see the couch as a bad place to be.