12/30/2025
Most unwanted behaviors are not intentionally taught; they are learned through repeated outcomes.
If a behavior:
• happens repeatedly
• is occasionally successful..then, from the dog's perspective, it is acceptable behavior.
Example 1: Jumping Up
• Dog jumps up at visitors.
• Owner says, “Oh, he’s just excited.”
• Dog gets fussed at, looked at, laughed at, or touched to pull or push him off.
Your dog understood that very well: jumping attracts attention. That behavior is now strong, persistent, and very difficult to stop.
Example 2: Reactivity at the door or on the leash
• Dog barks, lunges, explodes.
• Owner apologizes and says, “Oh, he is young, (stressed, excited, protective.)”
• The other dog or person goes away.
That behavior simply worked. What you permitted at that moment set the standard.
The moment you:
• stop allowing rehearsal of unwanted behavior
• start rewarding what you actually want
• manage the environment while training clarity
• become consistent in outcome rather than intention
…your dog adapts. Not because you became stricter but because you became clearer.
I would love to help. Ms. Fairy Dogmother is a private dog trainer in Azle with references. Please visit my website for more information, then call Ann at 817-668-6229.
www.msfairydogmother.net
https://www.facebook.com/dog.trainer.3
