Rethinking Problem Behaviors
Normal dog behavior can sometimes be problematic. When holes appear all over your yard, for instance, you might consider contacting a dog trainer to teach your dog not to dig.
You want a command that tells your dog to stop doing something. A dog that listens to you isn't a lot to ask for. Is it? Your dog can learn to stop digging when you call him. Nothing unreasonable there. Teaching a few obedience skills in the process is never a bad idea. Still, if you only see the behavior as a problem to solve without seeing the opportunity, you are missing out on something even better than obedience training.
Instead, try approaching problem behaviors from new angles. Your dog annoys you when he digs in the yard. While in rare cases, the digging signals something serious, it's more likely that your dog is meeting a need in a standard, dog-like way.
Great!
Sure, you might still train your dog to stop digging when you give a cue, to keep your yard from looking like cheese, but what else could you do to help your dog?
You could take your dog to the beach and let him dig in the sand (during the seasons when dogs are allowed). You could build a designated digging spot for your dog and play games where you hide a toy for him to dig up and bring to you. Or you could play other games that provide enrichment. Perhaps you start scent work training or take your dog hiking. One behavior problem can then evolve into a new hobby that benefits both you and your dog.
Problem behaviors provide information and opportunities. When you consider the reasons behind problematic behaviors and get creative in solving them, you have the chance to strengthen the bond you share with your dog.
We have dogs to be our friends and companions. Often, we need to pay more attention to what they are telling us through their behavior. Are you spending enough time with your dog?
