We are a nation of dog lovers. This is reflected in the number of households that have introduced a four-legged friend over the years. According to a report by the PDSA, the estimated dog population was at 11 million in 2023 compared with 8.3 million in 2011.
It makes sense, then, that many of us treat our pets like any other member of the family and spoil them from time to time. However, a study by fitted furniture experts Hammonds shows that we often spoil our furry friends and let our dogs get away with what might be considered ‘naughty’ behaviours.
The research revealed that 87% of pet owners admit to spoiling their pets and over one-third (37%) allow their dog to sleep in their bed.
It’s nice to treat our canine companions every now and then. But repeatedly doing so may lead to behavioural issues and increase the need for more consistent training –an essential part of responsible dog ownership.
If you’re finding it hard to break the habit of spoiling your dog or you’re looking for ways to improve their training, read on.
Why training is useful for dogs
Before we look at why training is beneficial for dogs, it’s important to note that this is not punishment but rather guiding your pet away from undesirable behaviours, such as excessive barking, biting, or jumping. While some of these may seem innocuous when you’re in the privacy of your home, they can all lead to issues when you take your pet outside.
They need to be taught boundaries and rules of their environment. As well as keeping everyone safe, this makes sure that you’re following your legal responsibilities as a dog owner.
Clear communication and consistent training help to ensure your dog is well-behaved and happy.
Here are some tips to help introduce and maintain good behaviour:
Time-out
If your dog is misbehaving, placing it in a space that’s separate from you can be an effective way to communicate they haven’t behaved well. To do this, choose a quiet and neutral area where your dog can be separated briefly. This pause helps the dog calm down and associates the undesirable behaviour with a temporary removal from you.
Negative body language
Dogs understand body language. If you express that you’re unhappy through your own body language, this can clearly show them that they’ve misbehaved.
Maintain eye contact and use a stern tone and facial expression with your dog. However, it’s important that you avoid being aggressive as the goal is to correct behaviour, not make your dog scared of you. Be consistent with how you carry out this method as your dog will learn to associate certain cues with being chastised.
Withhold treats
Many of us love to give our dogs treats from time to time, or you may be part of the 15% of Brits surveyed who let their pet lick their plate when finished. But if you withhold treats, you can use this to correct bad behaviour.
Instead, redirect their focus toward a positive action and reward them when they exhibit the desired behaviour. This helps your dog understand that if they behave well, they’ll be rewarded.
How do you approach training your dog?
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