Dog Behavior Training Modification

Make sure that the appropriate response, you are teaching your dog to replace the old undesirable one, is not similar in any way. Your dog cannot perform two actions at the same time so if you teach him to go sit rather than jump on a stranger he will learn quickly that one action brings rewards but the other nothing. As your dog learns the alternate response to situations he will become more manageable and with time will cease to display the old behavior.

Try these incompatible behavior modifiers:

• Go to you dog's house or bed when the doorbell sounds.
• Greet visitors with a toy in his mouth.
• Retrieve a toy rather than barking out the window.
• Look at you rather than jumping on other dogs.
• Target (read up on this site about this wonderful training technique) your hand rather than running away.

Don't become impatient; it will take much time and effort on both your and your dog's part for the new action to become the first choice automatically.Practice the new behavior often and in quick sessions, whenever you can. If an opportunity presents itself use it to either reinforce the correct response or at least manage the dog's behavior so that the old action doesn't occur. By training your dog in every type of situation you are giving him a better chance of succeeding under any condition. Plan out the changes you want your dog to make taking into account your dog's personality and learning abilities and then start. Use your time wisely and keep the training sessions fun and understandable for your dog. If you are giving him what he needs (mental and physical stimulation as well as the other basics) then he will be better able to provide what you desire of him.

Self-control exercise