So I decided to try operant conditioning with my rescue dog Charlie after he chewed up my third pair of shoes. Watched a bunch of YouTube videos till 2 AM – bad idea when you’ve got work at 7, but here’s what actually worked:
The Cookie Bribes (Positive Reinforcement)
Started simple – every time Charlie peed outside instead of my rug, gave him those stinky liver treats. At first he just stared like “where’s the rest?” but after three days? Magic! Now he does a happy dance by the door when he needs out. Still keeps glancing back though, greedy little furball expects treats forever.
Annoying Sound Stopper (Negative Reinforcement)
Bought this ultrasonic thing that makes high-pitched noise when he barks. Hated seeing him jump every time it beeped. So I removed the sound INSTANTLY when he stopped barking. Took four tries during mailman visits, but now he just grumbles quietly when deliveries come. Still side-eyes the gadget though.
Squirrel Patrol Consequences (Positive Punishment)
Charlie goes nuts chasing squirrels. Tried spraying water near him (not ON him!) when he lunged. First spray = total confusion. By the fifth squirrel sighting? Pauses and looks at me like “you gonna pull that bottle again?” Works 60% of the time now. Still slips up when extra fat squirrels appear.
Time-Outs Hurt ME More (Negative Punishment)
When he started stealing socks again, I removed his favorite toy for 5 minutes INSTANTLY. The betrayed look! Almost caved immediately. But after two days of consistency? Left socks completely alone. Now when he eyes a sock pile, I just point to the toy basket. Little thief understands consequences now.
Stair Master Training (Shaping)
Charlie was afraid of stairs. First just rewarded him for touching first step with paw. Next day for putting two paws on it. Took FOUR days to get him climbing full staircase. Celebrated like World Cup win when he made it! Now he sprints up faster than I do. Still slides down on his butt though.
The Yawn Game (Extinction)
Used to jump on guests for attention. Ignored him COMPLETELY during greetings. First time: jumped for full 8 minutes straight. Second visitor: only 4 minutes. Third time? Stood politely waiting for pets! Tough not to react when he makes sad eyes. Worth it though – no more muddy paw prints on Aunt Carol’s white pants.
Token Treat Economy
Made cardboard coins with stickers. One coin for each command he obeys, five coins = special dental bone. His eyes follow those tokens like stock broker watching markets! Only problem? Caught him trying to bury tokens in backyard. Now keep them in locked jar he stares at constantly.
Three weeks later? My shoes are safe but wallet’s empty from all the treats. Still worth it when Charlie brings me his toy coin instead of chewing furniture. Little monster learned – and so did I. Consistency is brutal but works.