Decoding Dog Behaviors: Why Does My Dog Act This Way? An Interview with Nick Franco | Pupford
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Sometimes we watch our dogs do certain things and are left wondering... why in the world are they doing that?!
The best part is, as we strive to better understand why our dogs do certain things we can better understand how to stop those unwanted behaviors.
Although you don't need a degree in dog psychology, taking steps to think about the why will help you improve your dog's behavior.
In this episode with Nick Franco, we talk about why our dogs act the way that they do. Plus, we discuss some real-life examples of how understanding the 'why' can help us improve that specific behavior!
In Nick’s words, he is an animal addict on a journey to learn everything he can about pet behavior, nutrition, and products so that he can spread the word and improve the lives of as many pets as he possibly can.
LET'S USE LEASH WALKING AS AN EXAMPLE... HOW CAN UNDERSTANDING "WHY" DOGS PULL ON A LEASH HELP US OVERCOME THAT CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR? (Starts around 4:40)
Not understanding the way leads to excuses and lack of responsibility
When we look at why dogs do certain things, it opens up our way of thinking to… ‘How can I make my dog want to do what I want them to do”
When we see the why, it helps us understand the best way to give them the ‘how’
WITHOUT NEEDING TO GET A PHD IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, WHAT CAN PUP PARENTS DO TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW THEIR DOGS LEARN AND WHY THEY ACT THE WAY THAT THEY DO? (Starts around 12:55)
Simply put, if something gets reinforced, that behavior will increase in frequency (and sometimes we do NOT want that)
If we want to decrease the frequency of a behavior, how will you ensure situations lead to less opportunities of it occurring and how do you interrupt the behavior to reduce the frequency
Often, we want to prevent the behavior from ever occurring while also practicing real-life scenarios BEFORE they happen
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PUP PARENTS WHO STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE "WHY" IN MIND AS THEY TRAIN THEIR DOG? (Starts around 17:40)
Practice, practice, practice!
You have to practice and plan so you can practice the scenario BEFORE you are in a real-life challenge
Practicing leads you to better real-life results… education to application
Always be thinking… how can I set my dog up for success so that it is SO easy for my dog to do the right thing?
RECAP
Understanding why our dogs do certain things can help us better train our dogs and build stronger communication with them! Proper training,practice, positive reinforcement, and improving our communication with our dogs, will all assist in our efforts to better learn from and communicate with our dogs.
How do you think your communication is with your dog(s)? Let us know in the comments below!
First, you may want to check with your vet to rule out any medical issues, otherwise it could be regression. Also, sometimes dogs destroy things out of boredom, so adding in more physical and mental exercise could be good!
J
Jhane 01/26/2025
Hi, so I have an 8 month Beabull. He used to be great. but for the past month, he has been acting out!!! chewing absolutely everything he can (however he has been done teething for a while). he is destroying everything he touches. he is fully potty trained, but twice in one week he has jumped on my bed and peed directly in my bed. yes ! directly in my bed !!!! idk what is wrong with. idk what to do with him. he has toys. he gets walked about a mile or two a day. i take him with me almost everywhere. i also work from home so he is never alone. idk what to do with him. he is acting like a brand new dog. someone please help !!!😢
S
Sharon 01/26/2025
Hi,
My male yorkie pup (9 months old) was potty trained and in the last week has started peeing in the house (only in one room). He has done it multiple times a day despite going out several times throughout the day. I work from home so I am here to take him out and make sure he goes out asap after a nap and a few times in between. He goes out just about every hour except when napping. I am at my wits end. I have not punished him; I am frustrated! thank you for any help you can provide
C
Cindy W01/26/2025
Hi very interesting. My dog who is a Boykin at 15 weeks repeats bad behavior in order to get a treat when she corrects it. For ex: when I tell her “off” when she puts her two front paws on my lap, sofa, etc. she jumps down, sits and looks me in the eye, I give her a treat. 10 seconds she up again knowing I will give her a treat after I say “off” again. She constantly jumping on us. I stop giving her treats and just say good girl. Thank you for suggestions!
K
Kelsey01/26/2025
Check with your vet if your pup has any bladder or UTI issues. If not, then it sounds like a case of regression. Start going back to basics like crate training if you did that.
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54 comments
Leave a CommentFirst, you may want to check with your vet to rule out any medical issues, otherwise it could be regression. Also, sometimes dogs destroy things out of boredom, so adding in more physical and mental exercise could be good!
Hi, so I have an 8 month Beabull. He used to be great. but for the past month, he has been acting out!!! chewing absolutely everything he can (however he has been done teething for a while). he is destroying everything he touches. he is fully potty trained, but twice in one week he has jumped on my bed and peed directly in my bed. yes ! directly in my bed !!!! idk what is wrong with. idk what to do with him. he has toys. he gets walked about a mile or two a day. i take him with me almost everywhere. i also work from home so he is never alone. idk what to do with him. he is acting like a brand new dog. someone please help !!!😢
Hi,
My male yorkie pup (9 months old) was potty trained and in the last week has started peeing in the house (only in one room). He has done it multiple times a day despite going out several times throughout the day. I work from home so I am here to take him out and make sure he goes out asap after a nap and a few times in between. He goes out just about every hour except when napping. I am at my wits end. I have not punished him; I am frustrated! thank you for any help you can provide
Hi very interesting. My dog who is a Boykin at 15 weeks repeats bad behavior in order to get a treat when she corrects it. For ex: when I tell her “off” when she puts her two front paws on my lap, sofa, etc. she jumps down, sits and looks me in the eye, I give her a treat. 10 seconds she up again knowing I will give her a treat after I say “off” again. She constantly jumping on us. I stop giving her treats and just say good girl. Thank you for suggestions!
Check with your vet if your pup has any bladder or UTI issues. If not, then it sounds like a case of regression. Start going back to basics like crate training if you did that.