Ever wondered why your dog keeps doing that one annoying thing no matter how many times you try to stop it? Newsflash: You might be reinforcing it without even realising it.
Dogs learn by consequence, if a behaviour leads to something rewarding (even unintentionally), they’ll keep doing it. And this is where many dog guardians trip up. Without meaning to, they "mark and reinforce unwanted behaviours," making them stronger instead of stopping them.
Let’s break it down and see if you’re guilty of accidentally encouraging the very behaviour you’re trying to get rid of.
The Accidental Reinforcement Trap
Dogs pay close attention to what gets them attention, treats, or any kind of reaction. Even a negative response can be rewarding if it means engagement from you.
Common ways guardians accidentally reinforce bad behaviour
Giving Attention for Unwanted Behaviours
- The scenario: Your dog jumps up on you. You push them off and say, “No!”
- What your dog learns: Jumping = attention! Even though it’s negative, they got what they wanted, your focus.
- What to do instead: Ignore the jumping completely. Wait for all four paws on the ground, then reward that behaviour.
Reassuring Fear-Based Reactions
- The scenario:Your dog barks at another dog, and you say, “It’s okay, don’t be scared,” while petting them.
- What your dog learns: Barking = comfort and affection! They’ll keep doing it because they think it’s the right response.
- What to do instead: Stay calm, neutral, and confident. Redirect their focus with a treat or cue (command) before they get reactive.
Laughing at Bad Behaviour
- The scenario:Your dog grabs your sock and runs around the house. You chase them, laughing.
- What your dog learns:*Stealing = fun game with you!
- What to do instead: Teach a solid “out or drop it” cue and swap the sock for a toy or treat.
Giving in to Whining or Barking
- The scenario: Your dog whines at the dinner table, and you eventually give them a piece of food just to get them to stop.
- What your dog learns: Whining = food reward! Expect more of it next time.
- What to do instead: Ignore the whining completely. Reward silence and calm behaviour instead.
Chasing a Dog That Won’t Come
- The scenario: Your dog won’t come inside, so you chase them around the garden.
- What your dog learns: Running away = best game ever!
- What to do instead: Make recall rewarding. Call them, then move away (not toward them), and reward them with a treat when they come.
How to Fix It: Mark and Reinforce What You Actually Want
If you’re unknowingly reinforcing bad habits, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. The key is to mark and reward the behaviours you do want instead.
✔️ Use a verbal marker (“Good!”) the moment they get it right.
✔️ Reinforce calm behaviour, good choices, and self-control.
✔️ Be consistent, if one day you ignore whining and the next day you give in, you’ll confuse your dog
Training isn’t about punishing the wrong behavior, it’s about making the right behaviour more rewarding than the alternative. Once your dog realises that the best way to get attention, food, or play is through good choices, they’ll start offering those behaviours naturally.
Final Thoughts: Train Smart, Not Hard!
Dogs don’t misbehave to annoy us, they just repeat what works. If your dog keeps doing something you don’t like, ask yourself: Am I accidentally rewarding this?”
Flip the script. Stop reacting to the bad and start reinforcing the good. In no time, you’ll have a dog that listens, behaves, and makes better choices, without frustration or guesswork.
Got a behaviour you need help reshaping? Drop a comment below or get in touch with us.
Comments