If your dog lunges toward an article of clothing, tell him to “sit” or “stay” or “down. ” Use whatever command you want. Practice this over and over again. Use a treat to reward your dog when he or she sits after your command. [1] X Expert Source Belgin AltundagCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 26 February 2021 Don’t yell. You want your pup to stay calm and relaxed during this process. [2] X Research source
Use your verbal commands inside of the house, too. Never yell at your dog (out of anger) for stealing an item. Don’t run after your dog if he or she steals an item like a sock. Wait for your dog to drop it. After your dog drops it, pick the item up and tell your friend “no!”
Buy some squeaker toys for your dog to play with. Buy interactive games for your dog. There are a variety of interactive toys on the internet that you can buy. Many of these are treat-based and will keep your dog occupied with minimal attention from you. Play with your dog on a regular basis. Playing with your dog, and providing a positive outlet for nervous or pent up energy will decrease the chances of your dog creating havoc in your backyard or elsewhere. [5] X Expert Source Belgin AltundagCertified Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 26 February 2021 [6] X Research source
Only use negative reinforcement (and a spray bottle) once positive reinforcement training has failed. Look for a spray bottle with multiple settings. You want one that can mist and shoot a single stream. Spray bottles used for fixing your hair will usually work. Make sure your spray bottle has no residual chemicals in it. Wash it thoroughly. Test the spray bottle. Test the spray bottle a few times on a plant or on your hand. You want to make sure that it’s not too hard and won’t hurt your friend.
A whistle. A can filled with pennies or beans. A jar filled with screws. Remember that using a noisemaker is different than yelling at your dog. Yelling conveys anger, whereas using a noisemaker is simply a way of modifying your dog’s behavior in a deliberate and non-emotional way. [7] X Research source [8] X Research source
Never show anger when spraying your dog or shaking your noisemaker. Negative reinforcement is not about punishment or showing anger, but about behavior modification. Be fierce or confident and show your dog that you’re the boss. This usually helps the dog know that he or she has to listen to you. Only spray your dog when he or she is very close to or at the clothesline. Only spray your dog on the body. Avoid the head and eyes at all cost. Don’t follow your dog as he or she runs away and continue to shake the can or spray the bottle. [9] X Research source The dog may begin to associate the spray bottle or tool with your presence. If this happens, the dog may only behave when you’re there. Try to throw something noisy that lands next to the dog instead.
Small children. Teenagers. Cats. Raccoons. [10] X Research source
If hanging clothes, glance over periodically to see what your dog is doing. If you’re not hanging clothes, watch your dog carefully from inside a window. Observation is the best thing in order to gain more information about how to proceed. [12] X Research source
