Where to start when you don’t know where to start

Having a dog with behavioural challenges can be overwhelming, and often it’s difficult for owners to know where to start. While there are no one size fits all solutions for dogs and behavioural issues (they’re all so different!), there are a few simple things that will likely be helpful no matter your dog or situation.

✅ Stop them practicing the behaviour - AKA management.

The more your dog practices the unwanted behaviours, the better they get at doing it and the more difficult it is to stop. If you have no idea where to start, start with just preventing them from being able to do the problem thing in the first place.

In practice this looks like keeping your dog on a leash (or a long line for a bit more freedom) if out and about. Around the house they can drag a short rope/lead you can easily move them around on. If you’re not supervising them, contain them in a crate, kennel and run, secure room or safely tether them. If they’re a bite risk, muzzle training is a great start.

✅ Make sure you are genuinely meeting your dogs needs.

Are you exercising your dog regularly? Are they getting mental work, especially the type of work they’re bred for? How’s their diet looking? Are they pain free and healthy? How are they sleeping?

Unmet needs are jet fuel for behavioural issues, so make this a priority to get right.

✅ Use the leverage you already have to reinforce the behaviours you do want.

Does your dog eat food? Use this to your advantage. Rather than giving them their food in a bowl for free for doing nothing, pop at least half of their daily calories into a training pouch or your pocket and use that to reward behaviours you want to see more of. Think calmly lying on their bed. Waiting at the door. Checking in with you on your walk. Offering a sit instead of jumping up.

When you see them making these good choices, mark that with a “yes” then reach for and deliver a food reward (or whatever motivates your dog). All these little moments throughout the day will start shifting the needle towards more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t.

✅ Seek professional support.

Often this journey is easier when you have some external perspective on your challenge and a clear direction based on years of experience with similar challenges. If you’re in the Waipa District, this could be as easy as flicking me a message here to discuss your situation. Outside of this, I offer zoom consultations, or I encourage you to reach out to a good open minded trainer in your area.