Dog Behavior Modification

To learn dog behavior modification, we must first understand dogs think and react differently than we do. Then bad, destructive or aggressive issues are changed instead of created by us.

Once we accept that dogs are dogs and not human, we begin a special appreciation and a stronger bond with our canine companions.

And we probably wish we could be as consistent, loyal and forgiving. To think of a canine as human is more of an insult than a compliment.

That said, let's move on to understanding dog behavior, whether it's dominant, submissive or aggressive dog behavior. Do we unknowingly instigate the unwanted behavior or allow it by being submissive in our dog's eyes.

We'll start with Correcting Dog Behavior, where we learn the proper way to greet our canines thanks to Angie Woods, dog rehabilitation expert and owner of USCanine. Angie explains to us something simple to do to show who's boss. It's a great first step to dog behavior modification and it explains how a simple act we see as loving, puts our dogs in a dominant role.

Remember, he doesn't have to act insane to be happy to see you. That's one of those human misconceptions. And letting him jump on you when he chooses is a big no no as well. Even if you feel like your dog owns you instead of the other way around - instead of letting him know by jumping on you, let's keep it a secret (-;

It will avoid other behavior issues.

And here’s a few ideas for positive reinforcement so you don’t have an out of control dog. My own issue was five dogs who barked enough to drive the entire neighborhood crazy.

If you have ever experienced dog food aggression in your home, even a tiny growl or a paw claiming the bowl, learn to stop the behavior NOW. This is how your dog claims to be the leader and I've seen it escalate into dog biting and fights.

Next I talk about dog fear. I use an example of dog fear of thunder and explain the difference between encouraging it and solving this unusual dog behavior. It's a great example of how we actually create fear by treating them like humans. An important read.

In Dog Behavior Problems - When Dogs Mirror Our Emotions we see how our attitude and emotional state affects our dogs and what they have to say about it. Read it and think about it.

In Dog Behaviors vs. Human Behaviors, I talk about the misconception of dogs being human. Of course they aren't but in a few areas I still catch myself treating them as if they were, and you probably do too. There's also a reminder of what a blessing dogs are to us.

Okay, this one has nothing to do with dog behavior modification but I thought it would be fun. I believe dogs have a gift. I know I have psychic dogs. If I just think the word medicine, my dogs scatter like an air raid siren is blaring in the living room. If I think about going to the grocery store, all ears perk up in anticipation of a possible ride in the car. Is your dog psychic too? Give them the test.

How we perceive our dogs, how we treat our dogs and what we expect from them, all play a part in the picture. Some of the things we do are pretty dumb once we see it and can give us one of those forehead slapping moments, others are more subtle.

I hope you enjoy the way I present our human imperfections and they help you understand how simple dog behavior modification can be. I'm not saying easy because we have to be willing to change in order to change our canines. Small consistent changes will get us to our goal.

Here's a program that can help you. Actually I think he has two or three programs now but you'll see them when you click on the picture.

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I think they're worth the purchase, but I have a few more things to share with you...

I'm not sure if this next one is dog behavior modification or training, but I found "Leave It" on another website and I loved it. As soon as I read it I thought, "What a great idea. Here's something I can teach sitting down." (Yes, I can be lazy.)

Why didn't I think of this myself?" But I didn't and I don't want to take the credit away from Sandy Mesmer who has been been breeding Silky Terriers for thirty years and has a website called "About Small Dogs." Go ahead and read Leave It .

I haven't written specifically about the meaning of the Alpha dog yet or a description of pack leader behavior so I'm going to link you to another site. I like what Pauline says about the alpha dog, or the pack leader. Simple things that make a difference.

I have found that many people are afraid to adopt dogs from rescue groups or the humane society, believing all these dogs have problems and need dog behavior modification (at least). This is simply not true. Here's a page about dog adoptions I found on a site called Dogs Gossip. About half way down the page, she has listed 'A Dog's 10 Commandments'. A good reminder for us all.

Here are other pages here at Three Little Pitties you may enjoy:

Does Your Dog Bite?
You might be shocked at his behavior if you let him out alone. Here's a dilema my daughter and I had recently when she received a dog bite from a dog allowed to roam loose in the neighborhood.

Good Dog
Did I just get a good dog or did I earn it? This is in my dog story section and it's about Jason, the best family dog I could ever have.

Dog Mounting
Where mounting and humping go beyond the limits of good canine citizenship and why dogs do it in the first place.

Learn the four possible causes of destructive dog behavior and what you can do to help your dog get a grip on his behavior instead of your furniture.

Another dog story kind of. It's about Moo. A dog who peed in the house, nipped us all, and how I did a little dog behavior modification of my own. It's called

Bad Dog – Why does this dog make me crazy?

How a nice, responsible, dog loving person can have aggressive dogs. What a dummy I was! You can find this one at

Dog aggression is often overlooked, but Pit Bull aggression? Never!

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