You have tried everything it seems: obedience classes, corrective behavior, anything to get your dog to stop jumping on the furniture or walking through the garden. Or, perhaps you pooch is in the middle of obedience training, and he just hasn’t mastered the “off” and “away” commands yet. Whatever the reason, sometimes you are forced to search for additional help to combat the problem. Here are a few temporary suggestions to help keep you pooch out of where he isn’t supposed to be.
These aversives are not meant to solve a problem. Instead, they can be used with your normal training to help deter a habit. Think of it as keeping a cat out of a houseplant: she doesn’t need to be there, and you don’t want her there. These methods are also not guaranteed to work with your pooch. You have to work to find what it is that your dog does not like; it can be a trial and error process. You aren’t finding his dislikes to hurt him or hold them against him, but you are using his dislikes to help with your training regime. Never use a substance or material that can cause your pet harm in any way. Remember that many household items are poisonous to animals; and, for this reason, such items should not be used. It’s all about making the item or location less attractive, not teaching your pet a lesson!
Indoor problems: Maybe your pet loves to lie on the sofa, and you just can get him to stop. It is up to you to make the sofa less appealing. Most dogs dislike sticky materials and substances to touch their paws. So, grab a roll of double-sided tape. Add pieces of tape to another material, such as aluminum foil or paper. Place the material, sticky side up, on the area of the couch where your pet likes to lie. You can be sure he won’t sleep on top of the sticky tape! You can also use double-sided tape around plants, trash containers, and valuable items. When you use a sticky substance, it is important that you protect your possessions. That is why aluminum foil or paper is used instead of sticking the tape directly on the sofa. Be creative!
Sometimes, indoor problems can also be taken care of with bad-tasting or malodorous substances. Pet stores sell repellents that keep pets away from certain items. Once the animal gets a bitter taste or pungent whiff, he may leave the item alone. In addition to repellents, citronella, citrus juices, hot sauce, and pepper have all been known to keep a pet “off” and “away” from an object.
Outdoor problems: A digging dog is one of the most common outdoor issues. However, dogs may also get themselves into trouble with flower beds and gardens. To keep a dog out of an off-limits area, make the area less attractive. For instance, use sharp or pointed rocks as the perimeter for your garden. You can even use wire (sharp edges turned down), to keep your pet out. Repellents and citronella may also work in outdoor areas.
There are other things you can use both inside and outside your home. Water bottles with spray heads, whistles, specialized citronella/citrus spray collars, water guns, and noise makers can all get your pet’s attention and keep him from doing what it is you don’t want him to do. Even just distracting your pooch with a toy or treat can do wonders! Whatever you do, remember that your pet will not learn unless you show him the desired behavior. Every time you correct his behavior, you should immediately show him what to do instead. As he picks up on things, reward him for his new actions.
Sometimes, obedience training needs a little push. No matter how hard you try, you pooch just isn’t getting the “off” and “away” messages. During times like these, it is important that you look for ways to deter his behavior, while showing him the proper way to act. Find out what your dog doesn’t like, such as sticky substances or citric odors, and use those items to reform his behavior. Always look out for the health and wellbeing of your pooch, and never introduce an item that could cause harm!
Article provided by Jessica Taylor and pet-super-store a pet site featuring personalized dog beds, dog crate pads and dog strollers.