As a dog owner, pawing can be hard to deal with.If aggressive enough, unwanted pawing can cause pain.There are many ways to reduce your dog's pawing.To get the attention of your dog, teach it to engage in tricks.When pawing occurs, ignore it.If your dog's pawing is due to nerves or separation, you need to keep him calm and secure.You can eliminate pawing with a few changes to your schedule.
Step 1: If your dog paws, ask for a command.
Dogs paw in order to get attention or food.A good way to stop your dog from pawing is to encourage them to engage in other behaviors.When your dog paws, have it engage in tricks and commands that it knows.When your dog wants attention, it may paw.Say, "Sit!" when you see your dog pawing.Reward your dog with attention until it sits.You can teach your dog to sit quietly and wait for attention.
Step 2: The dog should be taught to shake instead of paw.
There is a chance that pecking can be converted into a trick.When a dog hears the "shake" command, it will eventually learn to paw.In front of your dog, shake your hand.Wait for your dog to paw at your hand and then reward it with a treat and praise.When your dog hears "Shake," repeat this several times a day.When your dog paws in response to the "shake" command, only reward it with attention or food.When you ask your dog to shake, pawing is appropriate.
Step 3: Consistency is important.
Be consistent with the behavior you choose to encourage.Consistency in training is what makes dogs learn best.Reward your dog with treats or praise when it engages in the behavior you want instead of pawing.Do not reward your dog if you notice pawing at other times.The majority of dogs paw because they want something.They will continue their behavior if you engage with them while they are pawing.If you want your dog to sit when it wants food, do not feed it until it does.If your dog is pawing, you should only give it food when it obeys.
Step 4: Ignore the pawing.
Dogs respond to all kinds of attention.If your dog is pawing, ignoring it is the best way to discourage it.When your dog paws, don't make eye contact with the dog.The behavior of the dog should stop before you engage with it.If you start ignoring your dog, it will paw you harder to get your attention.Don't engage with the behavior and be patient.The pawing encourages your dog to paw.Ignoring bad behavior is more effective than disciplining your dog as it is seen as a form of attention.If ignoring your dog isn't working or is getting annoying or painful, try moving away from them to avoid them and not reward their pawing.
Step 5: Take care of pawing during playtime.
It's normal for dogs to paw during playtime.Aggressive pawing should be discouraged.For 10 to 30 seconds, stop playing with your dog if he paws.Continue playing if your dog calms down and their paws are on the floor.Next, resume playing.If you stop playing in response to pawing, your dog will eventually learn to not paw.When playing with your dog, keep toys low to the ground.The dog won't have to paw to get its toys.
Step 6: Reward only when pawing occurs.
Consistency is the key to cutting back on unwanted behavior.When your dog's pawing comes in response to a specific command, only engage with it.If you respond to any other type of pawing, you will encourage it.
Step 7: Make sure others don't encourage pawing.
People unintentionally reinforce pawing.People may be more likely to pet a dog that's pawing them for attention.If you have new people in your life, let them know that you're trying to discourage your dog's pawing.When you explain that you are trying to break your dog's habit, most people will listen.If your dog starts pawing, ask them not to engage with you.
Step 8: Make sure your dog gets regular bathroom breaks.
A schedule is what dogs thrive on.Sometimes dogs paw or exhibit other unwanted behavior in order to communicate their basic needs to you, such as needing to go outside or be fed.Feed your dog regularly in order to keep it calm and avoid pawing.
Step 9: Make sure your dog exercises.
If dogs aren't getting enough exercise, they will become nervous and seek out attention.This can lead to attention-seeking behavior.Try to increase your dog's exercise routine.Take your dog for daily walks and play with it more often.If your dog is a senior or has underlying health problems, talk to your vet about how much exercise is safe.
Step 10: Play retrieving games.
Retrieving games are great for dogs with anxiety.If your dog has pawing issues, play fetch to keep him calm.Pause the game if your dog paws you.
Step 11: Provide your dog with a place to relax.
Dogs with anxiety issues may not feel welcome in your home.Evaluate your home if your dog is pawing or barking.Make sure your dog has easy access to food and water.Make sure your dog has access to rooms where you hang out frequently, like the living room, as dogs that feel isolated may engage in attention seeking behaviors.
Step 12: If problems persist, consider taking an obedient class.
If you don't stop pawing, you can find classes in your area.A dog that is prone to behavioral issues can benefit from professional training.Ask your vet for a recommendation if you want to find training programs online.Trainers can help you work through jumping with your dog.