My dog doesn’t like being praised?
pintaloosa Asked: My dog doesn’t like being praised?
My dog is rather weird.
I'm trying to train him to do some basic dog things, like sit, stay, come, and down.
The strange thing is that he doesn't like being praised.
I've tried different ways of praising for good behavior – giving him food rewards, stroking him, saying 'Good dog!' really cheerfully, giving him toys.
Whenever I praise him, he acts like he's been beaten – sulking, tail drooping, slinking away.
I have met dozens of other puppies who simply love being praised, so I know I'm not the problem. I know how to praise a dog.
How am I supposed to train him if he hates being praised? It's like he's embarrassed to be rewarded for his hard work.
My dog is a Shih Tzu, he's 4 years old. He wasn't previously trained because his old owners thought he was too cute to train. He is also a very healthy dog and every vet he's been to have said he's a great example of a Shih Tzu. He is very socialable and gets along well with people and other animals.
Does anyone know what's wrong with my dog?
Answers:
Could be too loud.Try praising him in a quiet whisper.That may be less threatening to him.
well shitz zus are small so are you hovering over him while you say good boy dont say it too loud and try to praise him sitting down. also if you just got him he may take a little bit to trust you.
If hes not used to being praised for doing something, it may be weird for him, use a certain word for example "good" and say it in a calm, quiet voice (dont give him anything or stroke him, just say the word and carry on) but associate the word with something he does like for example walks or going into a certain room (my dog isnt aloud in the front room but when shes good she comes in, so its a reward, without really stroking or giving her treats or whatever) he might just not be interested in getting praised, does he actually listen to what you say? and learn the tricks? because if hes learning them then he probably doesn't care for treats or rewards, hes very clever if he can learn from not being rewarded. Also when you're training him stay down at his level, he may find it intimidating having you standing over him, other then that, he sounds like a very strange but very clever dog you got there!
the first thing in answer to your question is a question of my own. what are the methods you are using to praise your dog? do you pat him on the head.do you clap your hands and offer words of encouragement, etc….? from the question your methods seem normal but he may be wary of being too cheerful. try to keep very CALM and very short with your praise. will wait for your answer to try to help you further. by the way, i dont think there is anything wrong with your dog.
"saying 'Good dog!' really cheerfully"
Keep the praise very low key. Say "good dog" in a whisper. Give him a gentle scratch under the chin.
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