Putting Behavior Problems on Cue
Although it may seem counterintuitive, there are a number of reasons why putting “problem behaviors” on cue is one of the best ways to accelerate training in order to control, and eventually, resolve behavior and training problems.
First — Once you’ve taught your dog to perform a “problem behavior” on cue, you may practice teaching your dog to cease and desist many times in a single training session. In order to improve a skill, you need to practice … a lot! But let's say your dog is barking and you want to practice teaching your dog to Shush on cue. Well, once your dog stops barking, it's impossible to practice Shush anymore. However, if you first teach your dog to bark on cue, you may now practice teaching Shush on cue, over and over, until it becomes a reliable skill.
Second — If you teach your dog to Bark on cue, you may practice teaching Shush on cue at your convenience, for example, at home when you’re relaxed with nothing to do, rather than trying to train when your dog is all worked up because a bunch of visitors are ringing the doorbell and you’re getting out of the shower.
Third — Most "problem" behaviors aren't inherently bad. In fact, most are normal, natural and often, necessary doggy behaviors that occur at inappropriate times or in inappropriate places. Almost all dogs are going to bark, howl, dig and chew and they get excited and occasionally hyperactive. These are the quintessential qualities of being a dog. Surely you can find a time and place when your dog can indulge in these behaviors without annoying anyone.
By putting normal and natural dog behaviors on cue, you may teach your dog appropriate and acceptable outlets for their expression, for example, where to pee and poop, where to dig, what to chew, when to jump up, or when to bark, and when to be hyperactive.
For example, it can be very comforting to have your dog bark when you are home alone and you hear a stranger on your property in the middle of the night. And there’s nothing like your dog jump up to give you a welcome-home hug from your dog after a long day at work. So long as these behaviors are under control and you can get your dog to stop them on cue.
Fourth — From a dog’s viewpoint, what we call “behavior problems” are usually the dog’s favorite activities and as such, they may be used effectively as Life Rewards, if you can control them. For example, when your dog promptly pees and poops on cue in their toilet area, you might reward them with a visit to their digging pit, or a short howling session. If these are activities your dog really enjoys, they will make for powerful rewards.
If your dog calmly walks on leash, periodically stop and request they jump up to give you a Hug, or instruct your dog to Pull on their leash for a few yards.
In no time at all, what were once viewed as behavior “problems” become the many joys of sharing life with a dog.