How to Be Assertive With Dogs

Your dog has to know what she's done wrong, or else the behavior will continue.

As a dog owner, it’s important to strike a balance between the roles of companion and disciplinarian with your four-legged friend. Jumping up on visitors, stealing food from the kitchen and chewing on shoes are common dog habits that should be curtailed as soon as possible. Whether you and your new puppy are getting to know each other or you’re trying to break an older dog of some undesirable habits, the same rules of communication apply.

Be Consistent

It can be difficult to say no when your dog looks comfortable and happy.

Always reprimand the same behavior in the same way, whether you put your dog in a crate as punishment or just ignore him altogether. If your pet begs for food at the table, don’t fall for those huge, hopeful eyes and thumping tail. Slipping him some scraps gives him positive reinforcement in the form of attention and food, and he will learn that he can use the same tricks next time to butter you up.

Be Calm

Dogs won't understand if you punish them hours after they've broken something.

Being assertive does not mean being loud or angry. Screaming at your dog may scare her away from doing something that you don’t want her to do. However, it will also erode the bond of trust that you need to establish future acceptable behavior, as she will become threatened and scared. Keep the atmosphere calm so that your dog will feel safe, and it will be easier for her to understand what you’re trying to communicate.

Be Concise

Puppies chew on things to explore, and when they are teething.

Your dog craves attention, so be aware of how long you spend responding to negative behavior. A quick and firm “no” can be more effective than repeating the same information. To your dog, any attention can be better than no attention, and if stealing a whole turkey off the counter got you to spend time with him, he has no reason not to try it again. To keep your role short and sweet, establish alternative or preventative actions early on. Your dog will learn that he should be in his crate during family dinner, or that he has a special set of toys to chew instead of your leather boots.

Remember to Reward

A quick ride in the car will make your dog's day.

Assertive discipline is the practice of fixing what is wrong, but don’t forget to let your canine friend know what they’ve done right. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, in the form of a treat or loving attention, will let your dog enjoy the training process. Furthermore, it will strengthen the bond of trust and respect between you and your dog, making future communication and behavior modifications easier to work through.

References

• Cesar's Way: The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Dog Owners
• American Kennel Club: Be a Responsible Dog Owner
• Adelaide Canine Training: Is My Dog Dominating Me?
• ASPCA: Virtual Pet Behaviorist - Begging at the Table
• The Humane Society of the United States: Chewing - The Whys and Hows of Stopping a Gnawing Problem