Your dog jumps on guests. They pull on the leash. They bark at the mailman. You’ve corrected, scolded, and maybe even yelled. But what if those “bad behaviors” aren’t problems to fix, but opportunities to connect? At Snout, we’ve seen it time and time again: the moments when owners shift from frustration to understanding are the moments when real bonding happens. Here’s how to turn your dog’s challenges into chances to deepen your relationship.

Instead of seeing your dog’s behavior as naughty, ask yourself: What are they trying to communicate? Jumping might mean they’re excited to see you. Pulling might mean they’re curious about the world. Barking might mean they’re alerting you to something unusual.

Snout’s Pro Tip: Behavior is communication. Your job is to listen, not just correct.

When your dog jumps, instead of pushing them off, ask for a sit. When they pull, instead of yanking the leash, stop walking and wait for them to come back to you. When they bark, instead of shouting “quiet,” acknowledge their alert and then redirect them to a more appropriate behavior.

What This Looks Like:

Snout’s Pro Tip: This isn’t about letting your dog “get away” with behavior. It’s about teaching them what you do want them to do, instead of just punishing what you don’t.

Dogs learn best when they’re having fun. Turn every training session into a game. Use a happy, excited voice. Reward with treats, praise, or a quick game of tug. When your dog associates training with fun, they’ll be eager to participate.

Snout’s Pro Tip: Use your dog’s favorite toy as a reward. A quick game of tug after a successful “stay” makes training something to look forward to.

Did your dog sit instead of jump? Reward that. Did they look at you instead of pulling? Reward that. Did they stop barking for even a second? Reward that. Small wins add up to big changes.

Snout’s Pro Tip: Keep treats handy at all times. You never know when a training opportunity will present itself.

Dogs are masters at reading our emotions. If you’re frustrated, they’ll feel it. If you’re calm, they’ll mirror that. Before you react to your dog’s behavior, take a deep breath. Ask yourself: How can I respond in a way that builds trust instead of tension?

Snout’s Pro Tip: You’re not going to be perfect. There will be days when you lose your patience. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep trying.

At Snout, we don’t believe in quick fixes or punishment-based training. We believe in building relationships. When you respond to your dog’s behavior with empathy and understanding, you’re not just training them. You’re showing them that you’re a partner they can trust.

Our LA clients rave about the difference this approach makes. Dogs that were once “problem children” become confident, happy companions. And owners that were once frustrated become patient, connected leaders.

This week, pick one behavior that frustrates you. Instead of correcting your dog, ask yourself: What are they trying to tell me? How can I respond in a way that builds our bond? Try turning the behavior into a training game. Celebrate every small win. And most importantly, have fun together.

Snout’s Pro Tip: End every training session with play. Whether it’s a game of fetch or a quick cuddle, make sure your dog associates training with good feelings.

Your dog’s “bad behavior” isn’t a personal attack. It’s an opportunity to understand them better. To communicate more clearly. To build a bond that goes beyond commands and corrections. At Snout, we believe that’s what dog parenting is all about.