Dogs have different behaviors due to certain factors such as the environment where they grew up and the social experiences they have with other animals and humans. Regardless of the behaviors they have, it’s imperative that we do something about the bad habits that they do. We must take immediate action to correct them to prevent further serious problems.
One who owns a pet must learn how to discipline a dog and how to make them understand that some of the things that they are doing are not always right. Since dogs are, most of the time, not aware of what the results of their actions would be, we must be armed with the right disciplinary measures at all time.
So, for those who are interested, good thing you’ve got this guide to help you discipline your dog. To start, here are some basic disciplinary guidelines that you can follow:
How to Discipline a Dog After Fighting?
One of a dog’s characteristics is being playful. So, it is likely that playing ends up in the fighting, causing stress amongst themselves. Some common reasons for fighting aside from play are food and attention. Sometimes, when they’re not in the mood, they could also snap.
To discipline them, let’s look after this list for possible solutions that you can follow:
- Give them a separate dog dish to indicate ownership. In this way, they’ll know where their respective food bowls are and rivalry can be prevented.
- Make sure to give them your equal attention. Dedicate time for each dog, and make sure to scold them when they don’t wait for their turn.
- It’s common for dogs to act naughty when they’re bored. So, devote a specific place where they could play. In this way, the other dogs who want to sleep can rest peacefully in a different area, causing no fights between the two groups.
- Most importantly, choose a corner or space in your house where you could isolate the unruly dog. Make sure to be consistent so that they will remember that doing bad behaviors will bring them to an isolated spot.
Reminder: Never try to stop fighting dogs with your bare hands. You can spray them with water, or you can try to catch their attention with a distinct noise like a whistle to keep them away from each other. Always put safety as the top priority. Also, it’s best if you let their anger simmer down. Don’t dive in a fight right away especially when you’re not protected.
What to Do When Your Dog Bites?
Most dogs are territorial. Biting is one of their natural behaviors. It is their way of showing who is superior to the other. But if biting is triggered due to other reasons, then that’s another story.
It is their natural instinct that plays a great role in how they would react to things. For example, if a dog was a victim and was traumatized by someone who holds a stick to use for hitting him, then there would be a tendency that this dog will react based from that bad memory.
That said, when any person with a stick try to get closer to the dog, and it recalls that specific memory that caused him pain in the past, he is more likely going to act aggressively. It will always be their initial reaction to protect themselves, and biting is one of their ways to defend themselves.
Here’s how to discipline a dog that bites.
- There are times that dogs become moody, so avoid doing things that could surprise your dog that might provoke them to bite you unintentionally. Walk cautiously when you think that your dog is not in the mood.
- The rivalry between two or more dogs for their master’s attention could also make them bite each other. So, as much as possible, give equal attention to all of your dogs. Dogs have feelings too, and they even get jealous as well. To prevent bad behavior, don’t allow them to fight over your attention.
- Always see to it that they have a specific chew-toy readily available in the house. In this way, they’ll know what things are allowed for biting. Chew toys are available in your local pet shop. You can also ask recommendations from your vet. Not only can chew toys strengthen and sharpen your dogs’ teeth, but these can also discipline them from not chewing random things at home.
Hitting Versus Not Hitting Dogs
When you hit your dogs, they will possibly adopt these behaviors:
- Aggressive Behaviors: they will have a general misperception that all people will hurt them, thus defending themselves by being aggressive.
- Anti-Social Behaviors: they will more likely stay away from people as much as possible, making them estranged and aggressive towards humans.
- Traumatized Behaviors: they will likely feel and anticipate physical and mental torment from getting beaten too much.
While a little spank here and it is harmless and effective, we can also discipline a dog without hitting them. When you stop hitting your dogs as a form of discipline, you’ll see positive changes more often.
- They will remember that particular good behaviors will give them more rewards and treats, thus repeating such actions in the long run.
- They will become more consistent especially when treats are generously given, thus making them great role models for other misbehaving dogs.
- They will likely mirror your kindness and will show more loyalty and obedience to you. This will be reflected in their interaction between the people in the household. You will have lesser reasons to worry, and they will feel the authenticity of your love when you’re treating them as part of the family.
Some people believe causing pain to dogs can help them become more disciplined. However, this is always not the case.
Upon reading this article, you are now aware that it’s actually possible and easier to discipline them by encouraging good behaviors as early as possible. In this way, you can win your dog’s respect and make them more attentive without doing any violent disciplinary actions towards them.
For dog owners out there, the tips above are just some of the most effective, safe, and pet-friendly ways to discipline them. But, if they still don’t work, it’s best that you consult professional help before their bad behaviors get worse – you and your family’s safety should be your priority.