How to stop your dog from [insert blank]

I am often asked: "How do I stop my dog from jumping/barking/digging/chewing/chasing/escaping/[insert your own word]?"
And that is indeed a great question...and yes, how do you stop your dog from performing a behavior, which you dislike??

Well, first and foremost we need to first look at WHY your dog is choosing to perform this behavior in the first place.
And when doing so, I always think of this very well known saying :"Reinforcement drives behavior", meaning that most likely, your dog finds some kind a value in performing this behavior. And remember, finding value in doing something, is  always a great motivator.
We also know, that "Practice makes Perfect", or maybe I should say "Practice makes Permanent", due to the fact that through the process of repetition, this practice will eventually become a habit, an automatic action that requires little or no front of mind awareness. And that is thanks to the neural pathways. Practice over time causes the neural pathways to work better, and faster, thus becoming the new default behavior. Which makes absolutely sense from a neuroscientific point of view.  However, it can definitely still be very frustrating, when your dog once again jumps up and almost knocks over aunt Suzie. 
And to our dismay, unfortunately the neural pathways do not distinguish between "wanted" and "unwanted" behaviors. Nope. Neural pathways have absolutely no regard to whether you, as your dog's owner, actually approve of these behaviors. 
The good news is, we can change it ​ (Thank God for neuroplasticity and yes, old dogs CAN learn new tricks! ).
Which now leads us to the concept of Behavior Modification.

When wanting to change or modify a behavior, it is a two step protocol: 

1. First, manage dog or environment, so  the dog doesn't have access to practice the unwanted behavior. This is where a leash, a long line, a higher fence, baby gates, exercise pens, crates, etc. can be really helpful. Remember, when the dog is not actually performing/practicing the unwanted behavior, the neural pathways are no longer being used, thus the signals are being weakened. However, management alone will not stop the behavior from ever occurring again, as the dog will still perform this default behavior if given the chance. And at some point management will always fail!!  Which leads us to step two.
2. Think about what you want your dog to do instead of the current unwanted behavior: If he is a jumper, maybe a sit for greeting? If he chases the cat or the kids around the house, maybe a calm settle is a more preferred behavior? Instead of chewing on the couch, maybe chewing on a bone is a better option? Think about the specific behavior you want your dog to perform, and then teach your dog this new skill......while you reward the sh*t out of it!  Keep in mind: "Reinforcement drives behavior", so it is now your job to add a lot of value to this new wanted skill. And through practice and repetition, this behavior can now become the new default behavior, as your dog is creating new neural pathways in their brain. 

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But please know, that this takes time. Especially if your dog has been allowed to repeat the unwanted behavior for many years. More practice equals stronger and faster neural pathways. So, in order for a behavior modification to be successful, it is of outmost importance, that you do NOT allow your dog to practice the "old" behavior, while you are still working on adding value to the new wanted behavior. In short, management is still important, as well as high value rewards and repetitions. 

Give it a try, stick to the protocol, and you will see progress.