03/31/2026
Pro Tip: Are there things in your day-to-day life that might be accidentally creating unwanted behaviors? If it feels like your dog has you trained better than you have them trained… there’s a good chance that’s true.
Prime example: my dogs have learned that going outside, coming back to the door, and getting let in usually leads to a treat. At this point, they often want the treat more than they want to stay outside. So instead of spending time out there, they may run out, potty quickly, and come right back to the door.
Why? Because I’ve conditioned that pattern. Come to the door = get let in + get a treat. When that happens over and over, dogs get very good at repeating the behavior that works for them.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the patterns we create in everyday life. A lot of unwanted behavior is not random — it’s learned through repetition, timing, and what the dog has come to expect.
Remember: be proactive, not reactive.
A lot of unwanted behavior comes from patterns we don’t even realize we’re reinforcing. The first step is recognizing those patterns and creating a training plan that works for your dog and your daily life.
That’s something I help owners with all the time. If you’d like help building a training plan for your dog, you can learn more on my services page below:
Coach Wags offers various dog training services, including Private Sessions, Behavior Consulting, and Specialty Services.
