50 Times People Shared The Funny Things Their Pets Got ‘Shamed’ For

As per the American Kennel Club, positive, reward-based training is key to solving behavioral problems. Not only does it strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal, but it also provides mental stimulation and helps tire them out. For starters, you should consider introducing one new command every week, as you continue to practice old ones.

And consistency is key, too. You have to stick to the rules you set at home and outside.

Ensuring that your pet gets plenty of exercise is incredibly important, too. “A tired dog is a good dog. If you’re gone 12 hours a day, and your dog’s walk consists of a quick dash into the backyard, your dog might not be getting enough exercise. They may channel extra energy into bad behavior for dogs, like chewing shoes or dragging you on the leash,” the American Kennel Club explains.

Meanwhile, it’s vital to focus on reinforcing positive behaviors.

“If your dog is lying quietly instead of jumping or barking, praise and pet them. If your dog walks on a leash beside you, tell them what a good dog they are. If you tell your dog what you want them to do instead of what you don’t want them to do, they’ll understand better (for example, saying ‘sit’ rather than ‘don’t jump,’ or ‘heel’ rather than ‘don’t pull’).”

Even though it’s impossible for any pet to be on its best behavior 100% of the time, it doesn’t mean that training doesn’t matter. Quite the opposite. A well-trained pet means less of a mess at home, as well as fewer behavior problems when you take it outside or when guests visit. Training is fundamental and helps you avoid major headaches in the future. And your dog won’t train itself.

It’s likely that you know some neighbors, friends, relatives, or colleagues who haven’t trained their pets well (read: at all), and how much of a nightmare it can be. For instance, if you have a small phobia of dogs, you probably know how anxious you get around animals who haven’t received adequate training. Erratic behavior isn’t something you want to be around, even if the doggo (probably) has good intentions.

During an earlier interview with Bored Panda, Bill Lambert, Head of Health and Welfare at The Kennel Club, shared his thoughts about pet-shaming, discipline, and positive reinforcement.

“We all love seeing dog pictures and videos on the internet, especially ones that show off their unique characters, but we must remember that most behavior problems can often be a sign of something else, such as separation anxiety, fear, or simply being unsure of how to deal with a situation,” he shared with us.

According to Lambert, the science isn’t clear on whether dogs feel shame or embarrassment the same way that human beings do.

“The way that a dog acts will often reflect the tone of voice that’s being used to talk to it, and it’s highly unlikely that it will associate past behaviors with what is happening right now. It’s very easy for us humans to misinterpret a dog’s emotions and behaviors.”

The key to avoiding problems with your pet in the future is to give it plenty of positive new experiences as early on in its life as possible. That’s not to say that old(er) dogs can’t learn new tricks, though. However, it is harder to teach them to adjust their behavior, so you may need the services of a specialist trainer or instructor to lend you a hand.

As per Lambert, owners should take every opportunity to praise their dogs for good manners. They should avoid punishing the animals. Instead, they should focus on diverting them away from undesirable behavior.

“It is unfair and also counterproductive to punish them for something after the incident has taken place, as they don’t know what they are being punished for,” he explained to Bored Panda earlier.

“If you do catch your dog doing something that it shouldn’t, interrupt them and then distract them with a toy or a game, and then praise them once they have stopped and are settled,” he said.

Lambert added that trained dogs are happy dogs. According to him, owners who struggle with their pets’ behavior should definitely reach out to a trainer for help.

“Anxious dogs tend to pant more and appear more thirsty than usual or be uninterested in their food. Other signs can include excessive yawning, licking, or curling its lips, an inability to settle, and other noticeable behavior changes,” he told us earlier.

“Prevention is always better than a cure. However, if your dog is displaying anxious or frightened behavior, try to act and behave as normal, keeping calm, happy, and cheerful, and if they come to you for comfort, make sure you give it to them. However, if they do retreat, make sure to allow them their space.”

We can’t wait to hear what you think, Pandas. Which of these pics did you resonate with the most? Which ones did you find to be the most witty and adorable? To all the animal owners reading this right now: how do you discipline your beloved pets when they step out of line?

What advice would you give new pet owners who are completely overwhelmed with training? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this list.