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| ASK A TRAINER: DOG BITING & BARKING AROUND FOOD-Dog training tips free |
Question: How can I get my Chihuahua to stop cutting and barking improperly (especially around food)? I have this little dog when he was 8 weeks old, but I don't know how to break these two bad habits. He has a ton of doggy training, but we still have issues! Please help. We are desperate - "Maximil 1" via email
Answer: Do not panic! Biting and barking are often two problematic behaviors that small dogs may develop. To begin, you were correct in using the term "habit" when describing your dog's behavior. When a dog is allowed to perform any behavior consistently, it can turn into a habit. To develop an effective training strategy it is extremely important to identify it. As you know, it is difficult to break habits. For example, smoke. It may take several months or even years to stop smoking, so you should not be disappointed if your dog does not change overnight.
The first step in addressing your Chihuahua problems is to manage it. This means that you prevent him from rehearsing unwanted behaviors. Find out the triggers that bark or bite your dog (we already know that dog food is a trigger). Dog toys can also sometimes be a trigger and it is important to keep dog toys separate from human toys.
Once the triggers are identified it will be easier for you to stop them and use them to your advantage during training. You will be able to better guess his bark or bite and either stop him or re-direct him to a more appropriate response.
We become more effective at dealing with our dogs when we think about what we want to do rather than investing so much energy into trying to do them. Because dog training is interlinked, having a prior training history with your dog will aid the process. Think about what you want your dog to do (rather than bite or bake) and start training your dog to perform that behavior.
Remember that it will take a lot of work and guidance to develop a new habit that is as self-reinforcing as the old one. Develop an action plan so that you know what your dog is asked to do and so your dog can learn what is expected of him.
The first step in addressing your Chihuahua problems is to manage it. This means that you prevent him from rehearsing unwanted behaviors. Find out the triggers that bark or bite your dog (we already know that dog food is a trigger). Dog toys can also sometimes be a trigger and it is important to keep dog toys separate from human toys.
Once the triggers are identified it will be easier for you to stop them and use them to your advantage during training. You will be able to better guess his bark or bite and either stop him or re-direct him to a more appropriate response.
We become more effective at dealing with our dogs when we think about what we want to do rather than investing so much energy into trying to do them. Because dog training is interlinked, having a prior training history with your dog will aid the process. Think about what you want your dog to do (rather than bite or bake) and start training your dog to perform that behavior.
Remember that it will take a lot of work and guidance to develop a new habit that is as self-reinforcing as the old one. Develop an action plan so that you know what your dog is asked to do and so your dog can learn what is expected of him.
Here is a suggested action plan for resource security(Barking / biting in the presence of food):
1. Manage the situation to prevent further rehearsals.
2. Identify all triggers.
3. Allow your dog to be comfortable around his food.
4. Place your dog next to an empty dog food bowl.
5. When he turns to him to show interest in the bowl, (contact his side as it is less threatening) and as he watches you toss some claims and look back. Repeat this a few times each day and gradually decrease the distance as his comfort zone increases.
6. Your dog is learning that there is no need to "protect" his food in your presence. Essentially your dog is learning to watch you (instead of barking / biting) and is beginning to anticipate the behavior that comes to you every time.
7. Teach your dog a new habit such as "trade" or "quit it".
The same idea applies to barking. Once you recognize what your dog's bark teaches, he redirects his behavior from barking to something more appropriate. For example, if your dog has learned to "leave it" earlier, you can leave it on cue. Every time he sees or hears the trigger that starts him barking, let your dog "release it". As soon as he reacts to you, reward him with lots and lots of behavior.
Eventually your dog will know that it is stronger to remove and look at him than to bark at something else. Remember that it takes time to develop a new habit so you have to rehearse these new skills and reward your dog with quality dog treats and dog toys for good behavior.
Don't forget that it has taken a lot of time for your dog to rehearse unwanted behaviors such as biting and barking, so always reinforces him when he performs. When necessary, you can guide your dog towards success using management tools including your leash and dog crate. These tools can help you to prevent your dog from behaving unwantedly and so that you can teach him more appropriately. The bottom line is, when it comes to solving any problematic behavior, with a positive attitude and a lot of patience.
Chewing and barking (usually unwanted behavior): Many people get upset when their dog chews things. This is really normal and there are ways to address it in a positive, healthy way. Read our article Pappies the Chew: Dealing from this Normal Behavior. If your dog barks non-stop, you may get our dog tip: Training Talk: Excessive barking will help.
Judit Arroyo is the founder of Canina Dog Training in Chicago. She began her training career at the age of 17 and has developed a special interest in working with defensive dogs. Judit is active in the sport of competitive obedience and agility as well as Therapy Dogs International Certification. Additionally, he is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Appraiser.
Ms. Arroyo has a BA from DePaul University and is active in community outreach programs including Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR), New Leash on Life (NLOL) and has led fundraising efforts for Cook County Animal Care and Control. Judit serves as a program leader for Sit Sitho! And is currently developing its own dog training program.
1. Manage the situation to prevent further rehearsals.
2. Identify all triggers.
3. Allow your dog to be comfortable around his food.
4. Place your dog next to an empty dog food bowl.
5. When he turns to him to show interest in the bowl, (contact his side as it is less threatening) and as he watches you toss some claims and look back. Repeat this a few times each day and gradually decrease the distance as his comfort zone increases.
6. Your dog is learning that there is no need to "protect" his food in your presence. Essentially your dog is learning to watch you (instead of barking / biting) and is beginning to anticipate the behavior that comes to you every time.
7. Teach your dog a new habit such as "trade" or "quit it".
The same idea applies to barking. Once you recognize what your dog's bark teaches, he redirects his behavior from barking to something more appropriate. For example, if your dog has learned to "leave it" earlier, you can leave it on cue. Every time he sees or hears the trigger that starts him barking, let your dog "release it". As soon as he reacts to you, reward him with lots and lots of behavior.
Eventually your dog will know that it is stronger to remove and look at him than to bark at something else. Remember that it takes time to develop a new habit so you have to rehearse these new skills and reward your dog with quality dog treats and dog toys for good behavior.
Don't forget that it has taken a lot of time for your dog to rehearse unwanted behaviors such as biting and barking, so always reinforces him when he performs. When necessary, you can guide your dog towards success using management tools including your leash and dog crate. These tools can help you to prevent your dog from behaving unwantedly and so that you can teach him more appropriately. The bottom line is, when it comes to solving any problematic behavior, with a positive attitude and a lot of patience.
Chewing and barking (usually unwanted behavior): Many people get upset when their dog chews things. This is really normal and there are ways to address it in a positive, healthy way. Read our article Pappies the Chew: Dealing from this Normal Behavior. If your dog barks non-stop, you may get our dog tip: Training Talk: Excessive barking will help.
Judit Arroyo is the founder of Canina Dog Training in Chicago. She began her training career at the age of 17 and has developed a special interest in working with defensive dogs. Judit is active in the sport of competitive obedience and agility as well as Therapy Dogs International Certification. Additionally, he is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Appraiser.
Ms. Arroyo has a BA from DePaul University and is active in community outreach programs including Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR), New Leash on Life (NLOL) and has led fundraising efforts for Cook County Animal Care and Control. Judit serves as a program leader for Sit Sitho! And is currently developing its own dog training program.
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