It can be tough for dogs to understand what NOT to do. How can an animal grasp how to remain neutral in situations if we don’t teach them alternate behaviors? Dogs instinctively respond to stimuli, and without direction, these responses can lead to unwanted behaviors. Take counter-surfing for example—a self-reinforcing behavior where a dog jumps on a surface to grab food. The act itself is rewarding, making it likely to be repeated. So how can we stop unwanted dog behaviors and redirect them into positive actions? Let’s dive in.
What Are Self-Reinforcing Behaviors?
Self-reinforcing behaviors are actions that dogs find rewarding, even without external validation. For instance, barking is a classic example. When a dog sees a stranger walking past the house, they may perceive the person as a threat and start barking. Once the stranger leaves (as they naturally would), the dog feels their barking was effective in removing the “threat.” This perceived success reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to recur. Simply telling a dog to stop won’t resolve the issue because they’ve already been rewarded in their mind.
Why Saying "No!" Doesn’t Work
It’s tempting to yell “No!” when a dog engages in unwanted behavior, like barking or counter-surfing. While this might temporarily stop the behavior, it’s not a long-term solution. Here’s why:
It doesn’t teach an alternative: Yelling “No!” doesn’t provide the dog with another behavior to replace the one you dislike.
It may damage your relationship: Frequent shouting can create unnecessary stress for both you and your dog.
It’s not effective in the long run: The dog’s instinct to bark, jump, or engage in other unwanted actions remains, especially if they’ve been rewarded by the results of their behavior.
Stop Unwanted Dog Behaviors with the ADD Method
Instead of telling your dog to stop unwanted behaviors, tell them what to do instead. This is where the ADD method (Always Direct the Dog) comes in. By providing clear, alternative commands, you give your dog something constructive to focus on rather than the unwanted behavior.
Take my dog, Betsy Blue, for example. She had a habit of barking and rushing at anyone who entered the house. Yelling at her to stop was ineffective because, in her mind, she was protecting the home. Instead, I implemented the ADD method by teaching her to go to her mat and chew on a treat when someone came over.
Here’s why this worked:
It replaced the behavior: Betsy couldn’t bark while eating or rush to the door while lying on her mat.
It rewarded calmness: Over time, she associated visitors with positive experiences like treats and relaxation.
It reduced stress: Both Betsy and I became calmer, making visits more enjoyable.
Initially, I used high-value rewards like dog-safe whipped cream to keep her on the mat. As she improved, I downgraded to regular treats, chews, and eventually kibble. Now, she calms down within minutes of a visitor’s arrival, and we’re nearing the point where no treats are needed at all.
Practical Examples of the ADD Method
The ADD method can be applied to various scenarios where you want to stop unwanted dog behaviors:
Jumping on guests: Reward your dog for sitting when someone enters the house.
Lunging at squirrels: Teach them to heel or look at you and reward them for staying focused.
Whining in the crate: Reinforce calm behaviors like lying down quietly before whining starts.
Chewing household items: Redirect them to chew on their own toys and praise them for it.
Begging at the table: Train them to lie on a mat farther from the dining area and reward them for staying there.
Avoiding Negative Behavior Chains
When implementing the ADD method, it’s essential to avoid unintentionally reinforcing negative behavior chains. For example, if your dog jumps on someone and you ask them to sit before rewarding them, they might start jumping intentionally to trigger the “sit and reward” sequence. To prevent this, give your dog direction before the unwanted behavior occurs. If you know your dog tends to jump on people, have them sit as soon as someone approaches.
Proactive Training for Long-Term Success
Stopping unwanted dog behaviors is easier when you’re proactive. Train your dog to perform desired behaviors regularly, even when distractions aren’t present. For example:
Practice recalls inside the house to strengthen their response outside.
Reward calm behavior throughout the day to reinforce a relaxed mindset.
Conclusion
By consistently directing your dog and rewarding positive actions, you’ll create a well-behaved companion who looks to you for guidance. Remember, training should always be fun for both you and your dog. With the ADD method (Always Direct the Dog), you’re not just stopping unwanted behaviors—you’re building a stronger bond with your pup.
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