Positive Attention for Calm, Zen Behavior
Jake with gorgeous Pippa who's always a good girl!
In general, most post pet owners don't have any issue with letting their pup know when they are unhappy with them. Dogs absolutely love attention, even if it's negative. Your dog jumping on you when you come home is them begging for attention. Your dog stealing a shoe and running away in a game of chase, or barking at a passing dog through the window - are all ways that your dog has figured out how to get your attention. Unfortunately people tend to ignore when there dog is being good. This is a huge mistake! Always make sure to give your dog plenty of praise and attention when they are doing the right behavior. It's easy to ignore your dog when they sit calmly by the window watching a dog go by and it's easy to ignore your dog for bringing over their toy to play with instead of your favorite shoe. This is the perfect time to be extra generous with your attention and recognition. Look for the good in your dog and reward calm behavior. Let them know they are a good boy/girl with words and also physical praise. It is okay to be over the top - it will let your dog know sitting, coming, staying, or just being calm and Zen - was a good thing, and encourage them to repeat it in the future.