Let’s face it: No matter how much you love your furry friend, it can’t always be fun and games with them. Well, maybe it can, but you’ll probably find yourself at one time or another wishing your dog had better manners.

Our pups are like toddlers, full of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. They can get into mischief in the blink of an eye -- especially when they get bored or want attention. We get it.

Training can be hard, especially when your fur baby stares at you with those sad puppy dog eyes. When that happens, be careful not to fold like a lawn chair because most dogs are a quick study when it comes to knowing which of their behaviors earn rewards. 

“Positive training teaches dogs what to do, not continually punishing them for not doing what we want.”

Positive training techniques never punish or frighten your pet. Fear will only get you short-term results and could even – gasp -- traumatize your puppy. When using positive training, you reward your dog for their good behavior and ignore them when they display undesirable behavior. This is how you tell your dog that some behaviors are acceptable while others are not. This technique will also help you teach your dog behaviors that you want them to do. For example, if your dog is jumping and you shun the behavior, they will learn jumping does not get them the attention they desire. Instead, tell your dog to sit and immediately show them affection with pets and belly rubs. They will learn that sitting gets the attention they crave, not jumping.

Here Are 5 Ways to Encourage Positive Dog Behavior

1. Spend Time Together

While you might be an average joe to other humans, to your dog, you are the most interesting person they have ever met. So, make sure to spend quality time with your furry friend because when your pup sees that you care about them, they will be more likely to reciprocate with gestures of affection, love, and joy. Building that kind of trust will strengthen your bond. 

2. Exercise Daily

You may be able to skip leg day, but your dog cannot – after all, they have two more than we do! Your dog is full of energy, and that excess energy can make your pup restless, noisy, anxious, hyperactive, and even destructive! The amount of exercise they need will depend on your pup's size, age, and personality. You can let them run around the yard, play fetch with one of our Frenchie Plush Toys, or let them strut their stuff in the latest Frenchie Harness and Leash with a walk around the neighborhood.  

3. Create a Routine 

While your dog would like to think your world revolves around them – I mean, so what if they have more Instagram followers than you? -- They should be the ones adjusting to your routine, not vice versa. Establishing a consistent routine sets your pup's expectations on what activities they will do throughout the day. For example, wake up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day, have set feeding times, and go on your walk at the same time each day so that your pet can learn your schedule.

4. Reward & Praise the Good Pupper

Who’s the bestest dog owner in the whole wide world? YOU ARE! Now, didn’t that feel good? Humans love to be praised and rewarded, and dogs aren’t any different. So tell your best bud they are doing a good job with cuddles, petting, praising words, and TREATS! Remember, dogs like treats way more than their food and feel special every time they are rewarded with one!

5. Get Your “Pack” Involved!

Dogs are pack animals, and your family is now their pack. Of course, we all love being our dog’s favorite human, but it’s a good thing to have your family members and friends play and show affection to your dog too.  Make sure your pack stays consistent and uses the same commands you use, rewarding good behavior and ignoring the rest. Your furry friend will thrive in a home where rules are clear and consistent.

When you have a smile on your face, time in your schedule, love in your heart, and of course, treats in your hand, positive behavior will become second nature to your furry friend!