10 Weird Tips to Create Well Behaved Dogs

Well behaved dogs are raised not born. Getting a puppy can be the most fun-  and most infuriating- experience you will ever have-  next to having a human baby. 

Depending on your pet’s breed and temperament, training may take a few months or a few days. Prepare to lose a few shoes in the process.

However, making training fun and weird will make the entire process enjoyable for you and your canine. Here are a few unusual tips for quirky and effective training. 

1. Let Him Wander Around the House Wearing His Leash

Whether you are adopting a rescue dog or a young puppy from a breeder,  chances are she will take some time to get used to your home and routine.  Even dogs who have been previously house trained may backpedal and refuse to talk a walk on the leash.

They may take an immediate liking to their new home,  and get scared when you bring out the leash. It looks like they are leaving again! 

Dogs often like to chew on their leashes as well.

Let your dog get used to his leash until he understands this object has a fun purpose. Let him wander around the house wearing it so he associates it with home instead of leaving. 

2. Trade a Good Habit for a Bad One 

Dogs usually like rules and boundaries. The best way to get them to stop annoying behavior is to train them to do something better instead.

Digs develop bad habits because they are trying to get something, like food or attention. If you give them what they want after they behave in a naughty way,  you are reinforcing that bad behavior!

Teach them a substitute for getting what they want.  For example,  if they jump up on visitors, teach them to sit instead. If they respond to “Sit!” when the doorbell rings, give them a treat. This is the right way to act when someone is at the door, Rover! 

3. Don’t Force a Dog Into a Crate 

Crates like those available at PetCratesDirect.com are an integral part of training your dog. They are not simply for travel, but provide a safe ‘den” for your puppy to curl up in and feel protected.

It’s important that your dog see the crate as their safe space, not a punishment. Never force your dog into the crate. Instead, lead them in by offering them treats and positive reinforcement. Keep the door open at first.

You will find she will grow to love her crate and will go there when it is time to relax and be quiet. Crates are a great way to house train and also prevent dogs from howling due to separation anxiety. 

4. Stop Excessive Barking by Instructing to Bark on Command

Neighbors and family members may quickly grow to dislike your new pet if they are constantly disturbed by barking. In another example of weird training-  or reverse psychology-  you can stop your dog from excessive barking by teaching her to bark-  appropriately. 

When your dog “speaks,” reinforce the command “Speak!” and reward her with treats. Soon she will associate the word “Speak” with barking and yummies. This will encourage her to speak when spoken to instead of all the time or when you are not there. 

5. Reward Your Pup For Doing Nothing

Canines react to food. If you give them food for performing in a certain way,  they will continue to act in that fashion. 

Therefore, you may have to reward your dog for seemingly doing nothing. He is actually being a “good dog” by sitting quietly, so give him a treat! 

Do not reward behavior you want to discourage. If you want your dog to be obedient, they need to comprehend the benefits of mellowing out.

6. Be Consistent AND Flexible

Effective training entails getting your dog to trust you. It also means learning your pet’s various moods and idiosyncrasies, and respecting them.

You should establish yourself as the boss or master. You need to be consistent and authoritative to deserve respect.

Your dog needs to know that if he always behaves well, he will always be rewarded.  If he gets pats and belly rubs sometimes but not always,  it will be confusing for him.

However, you can’t be too rigid. If it seems that your dog has an irrational fear of a certain route on your walk or other pastimes, don’t force it. He needs to know you are protecting his best interests. 

7. Feed in Naughty Spots to Deter Peeing

Dogs don’t like to….go to the bathroom where they eat. 

However, they do like to mark their territories. They may feel the need to do that in their new home! 

If your pup is peeing in your house, try this weird training tip. Feed him in the corner or on the rug where he urinated.  He likely would rather have food there than relive himself. And continue to reward him for going outside, where he is supposed to go. 

8. Mind Games!

Dogs need physical stimulation and exercise. They will be more well behaved if they get the action they need.

They also need mental stimulation. They often act out when they are bored.

So make sure you keep your dog appropriately challenged. Hide his toys and reward him for finding them. Create an agility route in the backyard. 

Fill a Kong or closed box with food, so he has to figure out how to be fed. He will enjoy the challenge!

9. Praise the Poop

It may feel silly to exalt your animal after they make a bowel movement,  but you need to reinforce your pet for going to the bathroom in the proper place.  So even if you are in a public place like the park or a sidewalk, praise and pet your pup for doing his business where he should.

And don’t forget to scoop it up. 

10. Different Treats for Different Tricks

You would not like to eat the same thing every day, so why would your pet? Instead of giving the same brand of treat for every trick, find special rewards for special actions.  If you are training a dog to stay quiet, why not offer a special morsel of chicken for good performance? 

Heeling while you run or even bicycle may justify a special delight, like a bite of steak! Spot will surely look forward to the weekly jog if he knows what he can look forward to afterwards. 

Well Behaved Dogs Make a Happy Home  

By instilling discipline and good habits in your pet, you ensure a long and happy relationship between you, your dog, your family and neighborhood.  Set healthy boundaries and give clear communications to ensure well behaved dogs.

Simple training techniques can ensure that your pup will grow up knowing what to go to always be a “good boy.” 

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