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Don't accidentally reward unwanted behaviour

Begging, jumping up, barking: we often keep such behaviour alive unintentionally. How to spot what your dog gets out of it – and break the habit.

Behaviour that pays off, your dog will show again. That also holds for things you don't actually want. Often we reward them quite unconsciously, and that's exactly what keeps them alive. So the first step is to find out what your dog gets out of its behaviour.

Find the hidden reward

If your dog begs and now and then gets something, it pays off for it. If it jumps up and receives attention, that too is a reward; even a telling-off can be attention. With every annoying behaviour, ask yourself: what's in it for my dog?

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Frequently asked questions

What is “Don't accidentally reward unwanted behaviour” about?

Begging, jumping up, barking: we often keep such behaviour alive unintentionally. How to spot what your dog gets out of it – and break the habit. Behaviour that pays off, your dog will show again. That also holds for things you don't actually want. Often we reward them quite unconsciously, and that's exactly what keeps them alive. So the first step is to find out what your dog gets out of its behaviour.

What else is part of “Don't accidentally reward unwanted behaviour”?

If your dog begs and now and then gets something, it pays off for it. If it jumps up and receives attention, that too is a reward; even a telling-off can be attention. With every annoying behaviour, ask yourself: what's in it for my dog?

Does the article “Don't accidentally reward unwanted behaviour” replace veterinary advice?

This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.

Who wrote “Don't accidentally reward unwanted behaviour”, and how up to date is the article?

The article comes from the DOGSY knowledge team and is written in plain language. Last updated: 9 July 2026.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.