We all have bad habits, and dogs are no exception.
Dogs will naturally repeat behaviours that they have found rewarding to them.
The key to breaking bad habits is therefore to make it more rewarding to not repeat them.
All dogs chew, and it is natural behaviour that should be expected and encouraged (sometimes).
Chewing is a good outlet for energy and great for keeping teeth and gums in great shape.
It is important to teach your dog what's appropriate for chewing and what is not.
To curb inappropriate chewing, rather than punishing them for chewing something forbidden, like your shoes, keep plenty of appropriate chew toys and treats on hand and redirect them to an appropriate object.
If your dog is a beggar, chances are you have accidently reinforced that behaviour by giving into those irresistible puppy dog eyes.
To curb begging behaviour, you'll need to be consistent in never feeding your dog from the table.
Your pet will eventually learn that begging is not rewarded.
Digging is an all too common complaint among dog mums and dads.
Curbing this habit requires understanding the reason behind it.
They may be digging for a cool place to lay, or because they are bored or simply enjoy it.
If your dog simply loves to dig, why not create a special area of the yard where this behaviour is not only accepted by encouraged, like a sandbox or bordered section.
Always reinforce good behaviour with praise.
When trying to break bad habits in your dog, make sure that everyone in your home commits to train in the exact same way.
Consistency is key to achieving good results.
