Are You Rewarding Your Dog’s Bad Behavior? THE NEGATIVES OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools when training dogs and is much more effective than punishment. While treats are a great way to reward your dog, just giving your dog attention is a form of reward and reinforcement. But knowing the best time to provide this positive attention is where we may need some work. We may be rewarding bad behavior without realizing it. Here are a few strategies to help Fido get the right message. JUMPING Jumping is not only irritating to visitors, but it can also hurt the dog’s back. One way we’re rewarding this bad behavior is by responding with positive reinforcement. Don’t pet your dog or speak to them when they’re jumping on you. Instead, turn around and ignore them when they jump. Keeping a dog from jumping
is hard, but it’s crucial to preventing accidents and keeping your dog in tip-top shape.
you’re tying your shoes or picking up a sock. Want to stop this behavior? Don’t give them attention when they approach you. While your instinctive reaction will be to pet them, you should stand up and only praise them when they stay calm. Doing this shows it’s not in their best interest to try to play, and you’ll reward their more passive behavior instead. BE PERSISTENT Always keep goals in mind when training your dog. Training is not only helpful for you; sticking to a routine can keep your dog happy and healthy while strengthening your bond. Once you recognize the annoying behaviors you have unwittingly rewarded, you can change your tactics and get your dog to understand the best ways to behave.
SEPARATION ANXIETY No matter how hard the day was, an animal greeting you with love can turn the day around. Your instinct may be to respond with praise and pets, but that is detrimental to your dog’s mental health if they have separation anxiety. Rewarding them with your attention can make your absence all the worse for them. As hard as it may be, make your re-appearance less exciting; give them a simple “Hi” when you get home without stopping to pet them.
KNEELING PLAY AND MISPLACED ATTENTION
Dogs often want to play or be pushy when you’re kneeling on the ground, whether
SUDOKU
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
Directions
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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