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Originally Posted by chris_e Overall, what I am getting is that there really isn't punishment, just redirection. All bad behavior is a training oppurtunity for the correct action? |
YES! You learn fast!!!
There is very little (some would say there isn't any) dog behavior that can't be addressed through redirection or positive training. I know it sounds like spoiling to you right now, but trust me, it works! You just have to change your thinking.
For every negative behavior, you need to put some thought into what behavior you want instead. Then, train that.
This may not be what you want but say, for instance, jumping on the furniture - teach him that in order to get on the furniture, he must sit first. When he does, give him a small treat, praise enthusiastically and lift him up. Practice over and over. Any time that he hops up by himself, say "off" and lift him down. He will get it eventually. At random times, when you aren't on the furniture and you catch him laying down on the floor (or wherever you want him to lay), drop a treat and say "good boy".
Reward the behavior that you want to see more of.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with rewarding your dog for correct behavior. I carry small treats in my pocket at all times. This isn't blackmail on your dogs part. This is called "doing what works". He doesn't listen unless you reward him or yell? That's because he doesn't understand the English language. There's not a dog alive who understands a lecture. He can be taught simple commands and he knows from your tone of voice whether or not he has pleased you, but it may not be obvious to him what he has done that doesn't please you.
Go to the website that Cindy recommended. It will change your relationship with your dog completely.
www.clickersolutions.com
A good book is
The Complete Idiots Guide to Positive Dog Training.
Feel free to ask all the questions you want!
Good luck and let us know how it is going!