A dog can be a source of fun and a great addition to the family, but there are times when their behavior leaves a lot to be desired. If your pooch is playing up at the park, barking throughout the night, or simply wants to do their own thing, there’s no doubt you’ll want to put a stop to bad behavior and gain a little more authority. To do so, take a look at these four ways to improve your dog’s behavior fast:

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

When you dog follows a command or behaves in a way you want them to, be sure to give them a reward. With the best dog training treats, you can ensure that food-driven dogs will be eager to repeat good behaviors, in the hope of receiving another reward. Ignoring bad behavior while rewarding good behavior is a tried and tested method of dog training, but it’s one that really works.

2. Give Them More Exercise

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed and age, but most healthy adult dogs require at least one hour of exercise every day. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, boredom may be a cause of unwanted behaviors, such as chewing or barking.

Letting your dog spend more time in the garden, taking them to the dog park, and playing endless games of fetch are all good ways to burn of your dog’s excess energy, and playing with your dog will allow you to strengthen your bond with them too.

3. Be Consistent

When you’re training your dog, it’s important to be consistent and use the same commands. Similarly, reward good behavior in the same way each time, so that your dog becomes familiar with the routine. Expected different behaviors from your dog at different times will confuse them, so be sure to use commands in varying environments. This will ensure your pooch follows your instructions at home or when you’re out and about.

If you’re sharing the responsibilities of dog ownership with other people, be sure to work together to create a training plan. This will ensure that everyone uses the same commands and has the same expectations, which will deliver maximum results.

4. Keep Your Dog’s Mind Active

Physical activity is essential for your dog’s well-being but keeping their mind active is vital too. Fortunately, training is a great way to encourage your dog to use its brain. When you play training games or teach them a new command, for example, this will keep their mind engaged and help to give them the mental stimulation they need.

The Benefits of a Well-Behaved Dog

When your dog’s behavior is reliable and consistent (and good!), you’ll be a less stressed owner. What’s more – your pooch will be happier and more confident too. Although it can take time to eradicate unwanted behaviors, training your dog ensures that they’ll be easier to manage and much more fun to be around.

Guten tag! Meet Bebe, a 6-year-old German shepherd who actually understands German! She’s pure black and gorgeous. The person who relinquished Bebe to the shelter had heard from her previous owner that she knows many commands in English and in German. Shelter staff and volunteers have indeed seen her in action responding to German commands! She’s been well trained, is housebroken, and has some protection training. She’s also playful—that ball is her favorite thing! She has a few medical issues, but they’re manageable. Bebe would do best as the only pet in the house, as she prefers people to other dogs. If you take her home, she’ll surely say “Danke!” Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Bebe. Ask for ID#A654354

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Here’s Mandy, posing with her big, generous grin amongst the posies. Mandy, 5 years old, was found as a stray, and now that the shelter volunteers are walking with her and cuddling her, she has plenty to smile about. She has a gentle, mellow disposition, although she does get eager on a walk and likes to pull. She’ll need some leash training. Want to make Mandy smile even bigger? Take her home with you! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Mandy. Ask for ID#A6287411.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Those of you who are “Final Fantasy X” gamers will know that Tidus’ namesake is a worthy, cheerful hero who possesses a character that propels him to be a survivor and not a victim. Our Tidus’ past isn’t as horrible as the character’s, but it’s pretty sad—his owners had to give him up because of human allergies and a testy relationship with the other family dog. He should be his new human’s only dog. Tidus is 2 years old and a bit shy but warms up quickly to potential friends. He also needs an exercise buddy to help shed some of his 30 pounds! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Tidus. Ask for ID# A645841.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

This is Kratos, a 1-year-old fellow of Herculean stature  who was found tied to a gate and was brought to us. You don’t tie up the namesake of a god of war! And you really don’t do that to someone who loves to run around and play, which Kratos does. He’s smart, too—the volunteers have taught him to sit and shake. If you have room in your heart, home and play schedule, come meet this big guy! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Kratos. Ask for ID#A654689.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Indy is an energetic and playful 4-year-old pit bull. She loves her toys and can get pretty indy-pendent when it comes to prancing around the play area. She’d be a great companion for an equally active human who has experience with big, bouncy doggies! Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Indy. Ask for ID#A650014.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

This is Bubs. This poor old man was found wandering the streets, skinny as a rail. At 10 years old, that’s no place or condition for a sweet, gentle fellow. He’s gaining weight at the shelter and is enjoying short walks and human company. Can he be your only dog? That would be the best thing for him. Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Bubs. Ask for ID#A653333.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Dogs are a great addition to any family. They are loyal friends who can bring endless hours of fun. Children and dogs in particular often create a special bond, which in turn teaches your child important lessons about caring for others and responsibility.

It’s important that you bring your new family member into your home in the right way so that you create a happy environment for everyone. Here are a few ways in how to do that.

Vaccinations and preventative care

When you are getting a dog, you need to ensure that they have had their vaccinations, and if they haven’t that you have booked them in to get them.

Vaccinations are essential for preventing illnesses that are not only life-threatening to your dog, but they are also costly to treat as well. It’s worth noting that many pet insurance policies are only valid if you stay up to date with vaccinations.

Not all vets will charge the same, and so it’s worth shopping around to find one that you like. Vets like easyvet.com offer affordable care because they are a small practice that don’t offer expensive things like surgeries, so they don’t need to account for this in the cost of smaller procedures.

Remain calm

The first day that you pick up your new dog, it’s important that you and your family remain calm. Your dog is being moved into an entirely new environment, and it will be very easy for them to become overwhelmed.

Cesar Millan recommends minimal interaction with your new dog while you walk them around the neighborhood and then the home on a leash. This allows them to start to acclimate to the new environment without becoming overwhelmed. You can then show them their bed, where they are likely to retreat to, as they will probably need a break.

Give them space

When introducing dogs to members of the family, it is best to give them space, and where possible, to allow the dog to come up to the family member rather than the other way around.

You should also ensure that the dog can clearly see anyone approaching them, so it’s best to approach from the side. Ensure that your dog always has a clear path back to their bed so that if they begin to feel overwhelmed, they can return to somewhere they feel safe.

It’s also a good idea to avoid giving treats or toys at the first meeting, as this can cause dogs to become excited, and they may nip as a result. Toys and treats can be introduced gradually once the initial excitement of the first meeting has worn off.

Introducing a dog to the family can be a slow process, but once they are comfortable with you, they will be your friend for life!

Teach children how to pet gently

Children can sometimes be a little rough when petting animals, perhaps pushing too hard, squeezing, or pulling at their hair. As this hurts them, it’s possible that it will result in a snap as the dog tries to escape.

To avoid this, it’s really important that you teach your child to be gentle when petting your new dog.