When your pet does something that he or she shouldn't do, it immediately draws your attention. Your first instinct is to punish your pet in order to prevent recurrences of the bad behavior.
Do you take time to notice your pet practicing good behavior? When you do, do you just smile and go on about your day? Rewarding good behavior can help reduce the occurances of bad behavior.
If a friend comes to your door and your dog sits quietly instead of barking and jumping all over that friend, reward that behavior with a pat on the head and a "What a good dog you are." That is just an example for dog owners.
For cats, rewarding a kitten with praise for using the litter box properly is a great way to reinforce the behavior of pottying in it's box and not in your plants or on your favorite shoes! This is a biggy. You can also assist your kitten in the potty training department by confining him/her in the bathroom at night. The confinement helps direct the kitten towards the litterbox.
The reward can be as simple as a hug or scratch on the head followed by a few sincere, "What a good boy/girl you are!" . It's best not to reward pets all of the time with treats. It's better to simply reward your pet with a favorite toy and/or praise and a scratch.
Some pets are only motivated by tasty treats. If that is the case, make sure the treats you choose are nutritious. Recipes for homemade pet snacks will soon be available here. You can save money and feel better about the quality of treats you offer.
The magazine, "Dog World", offered this bit of helpful information. It is a great source of tips and advice to dog owners. In some cases, the information can be applied to other pets as well!
Author Resource:
Susan Sanders is an animal lover and pet sitter who works with loyal clients in the Chapin SC area
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