How to train a dog when it makes you angry

When we get home after a busy day and see that our beloved sofa is scratched beyond recognition, shredded tissues are scattered all over the floor, or find that the dog has urinated or defecated randomly on the floor again, feelings of anger and helplessness well up instantly. These "mischievous" behaviors of the dog often make the owner furious. However, after the emotional turmoil, we should think calmly: how can we, through scientific training, help the dog get rid of these bad habits and become a well-behaved and sensible companion? After all, the dog doesn't intentionally make us angry. Behind their behaviors, there often hides unmet needs or a lack of understanding of the rules.

From the perspective of animal behavior science, many of the dog's "annoying" behaviors have their internal motivations. For example, chewing on furniture may be because the dog is in the teething period and needs to relieve the discomfort of its teeth by chewing; urinating and defecating randomly may be because it hasn't established the correct excretion habits yet, or the change of the living environment makes it feel uneasy; and behaviors such as destroying the house and rummaging through the trash can are most likely due to excess energy and a lack of sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. So, when the dog's behavior triggers our negative emotions, we should never lose our temper and punish it immediately. Instead, we should first calm down and try to understand the reasons behind these behaviors. Just like dealing with a child who has made a mistake, we need to understand the whole story before we can give appropriate guidance. Dogs also need our patience and understanding.

The positive reinforcement training method is an effective way to correct a dog's bad behaviors. When the dog exhibits the behavior we expect, give rewards in a timely manner, such as delicious snacks, enthusiastic strokes, cheerful praise, so that the dog associates this behavior with a positive experience, thereby increasing the frequency of this behavior. For example, when the dog stops chewing on the furniture and plays with its own toy quietly, the owner should immediately go to it, gently stroke it while giving a snack as a reward, and say "Good boy"; if the dog can urinate or defecate in the designated place, it should also be praised and rewarded at the first time. This method can make the dog understand what the correct behavior is better than punishment, because in the dog's perception, getting a reward means that it has done something right, and it is more willing to repeat this behavior.

Establishing clear rules and commands helps the dog understand the owner's expectations. During the training process, use simple, clear, and consistent commands, such as "No", "Come here", "Sit", etc., and ensure that all family members train the dog in the same way to avoid confusing the dog. When the dog exhibits a bad behavior, say "No" in a firm tone, and at the same time, take it away from the scene to divert its attention. For example, if you find the dog rummaging through the trash can, don't shout at it, but calmly say "No", and then give it a toy to guide it to play with the toy. Over time, the dog will understand which behaviors are not allowed. However, when giving commands, pay attention to the tone and attitude. Don't be too harsh to make the dog feel scared, nor too gentle to lose your authority. Let the dog feel the owner's firm and caring attitude.

Consuming the dog's excess energy is also an important way to reduce bad behaviors. Many times, the dog is naughty because it has nowhere to release its energy. Ensure enough exercise every day, take the dog for a walk, a run, play with it, or carry out some training games, such as playing with a frisbee or catching a ball. This can not only exercise the dog's body but also meet its mental needs. When the dog's energy is fully consumed, it is more willing to rest quietly instead of looking for something to "destroy". In addition, providing the dog with puzzle toys, such as treat-dispensing balls and sniffing mats, allows it to use its brain while playing, which can effectively relieve boredom and anxiety and reduce the occurrence of bad behaviors.

During the process of training the dog, patience and perseverance are indispensable qualities. The dog needs time to learn. It can't remember all the rules and commands at once and may make the same mistakes repeatedly. At this time, the owner must not lose patience, and even less lose his temper and punish the dog because it doesn't change after repeated teachings. Every training session is an opportunity to communicate with the dog and build trust. We should believe that as long as we persevere and guide it with the correct methods, the dog will definitely be able to gradually get rid of its bad habits. Just like cultivating a seedling, we need to water, fertilize, and prune it day after day and patiently wait for it to grow. The growth and change of the dog also require our persistence and care.

When the dog makes us angry, the feeling of anger is only temporary, while helping it grow into a better companion is the long-term goal. By understanding the reasons behind its behaviors, using the positive reinforcement training method, establishing clear rules, consuming excess energy, and maintaining sufficient patience and perseverance, we can not only correct the dog's bad behaviors but also deepen the relationship with it, allowing the dog to grow into the most intimate and warm companion in our lives in an environment full of love and guidance.