Bad dog habits and how to fix them

Do you have bad dog habits? As trainers, we see things people do around their dogs that they don’t even realize they’re doing. 

The absolute most common example is tugging on the leash. We can’t even begin to tell you how many people unthinkingly just pull on their dogs when they start moving or change directions. Frankly, that’s just rude to your dog. And if you use a collar, instead of a harness, the perpetual pressure on the dog’s neck can lead to long-term damage. 

It’s not that the dogs are lunging in a different direction. They’re just not paying attention at the moment the person starts moving.. Instead of saying something simple like “Let’s go!” or “With me!” they just move. And most, without regard for the dog, give the leash a tug. 

Try it and see how much you like it. Go for a walk with somebody and, instead of saying “Let’s go this way” just yank on their sleeve. Do it every time you start walking after stopping at a curb. Tug on their sleeve every time before turning a corner. It’s rude and annoying. Stop doing it to your dog.

Easy fix

All you have to do to change is pay attention and form a new habit of talking before moving. You’re not pulling on your dog on purpose. But you’ve been doing it for so long that you don’t even know when you’re doing it. Pay attention to your own hands on the leash. Hold treats in one hand and the other on the leash. When you get going, say something to your dog. Say their name and “Let’s Go!” Wiggle a treat. Get the dog moving kindly, instead of with force.

Note: treats should be in the hand closest to the dog. Having them in the opposite hand will result in the dog crossing in front of you and tripping you. Dogs aren’t stupid. They know where the treats are. The leash will be across your body, in the hand opposite to the dog. That’s good. Less tempting for you to pull on the leash.

You probably don’t have to lure your dog with a treat to go with you. Your dog loves being with you. They also probably love going for walks with you and would almost certainly follow you through the gates of Hell. There’s no reason to tug on them.

Another no-no habit

Lots of dogs play “keep away” instead of coming when called. People think it’s just the dog wanting to play, being stubborn, or not knowing the command “Come.” Any of those are possible. But a huge contributing factor is why you’re calling your dog.

The recall, or “Come!” command is one that every dog should know and do every single time. In extreme circumstances, it can save your dog’s life. Like when somebody leaves your gate open accidentally and the dog’s headed for the street. 

First time, every time

To make sure that your dog will come to you every time, enforce a simple rule: Never call your dog to you for something they don’t like. And always reward your dog for coming to you. 

Imagine the dog’s sense of betrayal if you call them to you and then dump them in the bathtub. That one little misused “Come!” can poison the command forever. Dogs have long memories, especially for stuff they hate.

Instead, if your dog needs a bath, or anything they don’t like, go get them. Don’t say “come here” or call them. Just go get them. That keeps your “Come!” command always joyful. 

Turn it around

If your dog already thinks “Come!” is poison, just switch words and re-teach it. Call your new word and run away from your dog (with a handful of yummy treats). Running away from a dog is the fastest way to get them to come to you. When they reach you, celebrate and give them a treat. Then yell the new word again and run away. When they catch you, reward. In almost no time, the dog will learn the new word and know that it always means having fun with you.