None of us are perfect. Sometimes we can’t help but raise our voices for something our dogs did. But, do you have any idea what scolding does to your dog?
It is difficult coming home after a long day at work. Finding evidence of an “accident” on the new carpet doesn’t help matters. Nor does having early the next morning with a loud barking noise just because a bird is by the window.
There are a lot of instances where we might respond by yelling at them in the hope that it will change their behavior.
What Scolding Does To Your Dog
We all make mistakes, but we need to learn that this does not teach our dog. There are other, better ways to do so. Have you considered what scolding does to your dog? Why isn’t it helpful?
It Causes Confusion
Dogs do not understand the words that we say. Most likely, the thing you are mad about happened hours ago to them. By the time you yell at them, they will not understand where your anger is coming from.
They are confused about what they have done wrong. They do not recognize which of their behaviors made you yell in the first place.
As you yell, you may see your dog act ashamed. This response is because you are currently angry, and they feel guilty for a crime they cannot identify. This is very distressing to them.
Scolding Doesn’t Teach The Correct Behavior
Yelling at them right after they do something wrong will only make them stop that behavior in that instance. However, it doesn’t teach them or help them understand what they are supposed to do.
It is important that you not only stop your dog’s inappropriate behavior but that you also teach them what they are supposed to do instead.
Scolding Is Not Productive
Although some dogs do learn a few human words and respond appropriately to them, in general, your dog doesn’t understand the language we speak. It makes no sense to shout at them when they have no clue what message you are intending to convey. It is useless.
What they do understand though is the intonation and volume of your voice which may lead to undesirable results. You may actually make the situation worse instead of better.
Bottom line, you are wasting your time. It is better to spend your time teaching them what behaviors you desire. Positive reinforcement for good behavior goes a long way toward both instructing and encouraging your dog to do the right things.
May Only Result In Bad Behavior
Your dog may perceive you yelling as the human version of barking. If so, he is more likely to also think of it as an encouragement for him to continue barking.
Understanding your dog can improve and strengthen your bond.
They Might Fear You
In the past, scolding a dog as part of a teaching method was not unheard of. But with more recent studies showing that fear does not often lead to positive results, it is no longer considered acceptable. Hence, it is best to avoid yelling at your dog.
Studies looking at both humans and dogs have proven that positive reinforcement works best. The dangling carrot approach works better than the threatening stick when it comes to training animals. Fear should never be a part of any animal training program.
If you are interested in learning more about training your dog, there are many books and training aids available. Just click on the photo below to check some of them out. No obligation to purchase and you can use the search box to view any category while there. FYI, If you do make a purchase, however, I may or may not make a small commission that does not increase your cost at all.
The use of positive rather than negative training techniques can result in the ability to teach your dog many things. https://excellentdogsclub.com/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-come/
For teaching more than basic commands: