Many of the unwanted behaviours that people have in their dogs become engrained habits simply because they work.
If your dog begs for food and they get food, they will continue to beg because it is successful.
If your dogs jumps on someone and gets their attention, they will continue to jump because it is successful.
If your dog barks when you are out of the room and it makes you come back, they will continue to bark when left alone because it is successful.
Once a dog has learnt what behaviour is successful for them, they will repeat that behaviour. It is far easier to eliminate the possibility of them gaining experience practicing an unwanted behaviour rather than addressing behaviours they have already experienced as successful.
What might this look like?
If you dog tries to beg for food, do not give them anything. Instead, reward them with their own food for staying on their bed or in a crate while you eat.
When guests come over, keep you dog on a lead so they do not have the opportunity to jump up for attention. Instead, reward them with attention when they are offering the behaviour you want them to repeat in future, such as sitting politely.
When you leave your dog alone, never return if they are barking. Instead, return when they are quiet so they learn that barking is not going to be successful.
