5. Reward Calm Behavior, Not Just Commands
Don’t wait for your dog to mess up—catch them being good.
Examples:
- When your dog sits quietly on their own, reward them.
- When they lie down without being told, toss a treat their way.
This teaches your dog that good behavior = rewards, even when not asked.
For more on this approach, see Fear Free Pets, a vet-led site promoting stress-free training.
6. Redirect, Don’t Punish
If your dog is doing something wrong (like chewing furniture or barking), yelling won’t help. Instead, redirect the behavior.
How to redirect:
- Offer a chew toy if they’re biting the wrong thing.
- Call them over with a treat if they’re barking at the window.
- Use commands like “leave it” or “come” instead of yelling “No!”
Then reward them when they follow through. This helps them learn what to do instead.
7. Use Daily Life Rewards (Nothing for Free Method)
Make your dog earn everyday things through good behavior. This method is called “Nothing in Life Is Free.”
Examples:
- Ask your dog to sit before feeding.
- Make them lie down before going outside.
- Wait for calm behavior before giving toys.
You’re not being mean—you’re reinforcing structure and obedience without shouting. Over time, this increases respect and focus.
Final Tip: Seek Help Early If You Struggle
If your dog ignores everything or becomes frustrated, it’s okay to get professional help. Look for a positive reinforcement dog trainer or certified behaviorist at apdt.com.
The earlier you correct stubborn behavior, the easier it is to train.