Rules, boundaries and limitations

Like children, dogs need guidelines and boundaries. Good parenting will earn your dog’s respect and help him to feel secure. Here are a few ways to establish the rules of the house:

1. Put Your Dog on a Learn to Earn Program. That means he must do something for you in order to earn anything that is valuable to him. If your dog wants to be petted, ask him to sit first. If he’s already sitting, ask him to lie down. Then pet. Have him sit (or do another behavior he knows) before meals, treats, walks, tossing the ball, and anything else he finds valuable. Ask your dog to do something for you before doing anything for it. If you constantly cater to your dog's every whim for attention, food, play, etc., you'll create a demanding, disrespectful pet. So, when Rover comes up to and nudges you for some petting for example, have him "sit" for a few seconds then pet him. He'll learn that approaching and sitting gets him what he wants. Be aware and stop reinforcing things you do not want!

2. Be consistent!! Establish the rules, limitations and boundaries and stick to them.

3. He who controls the resources, rules. Just as parents control allowance, curfew and use of the car, you control all the “good stuff” when it comes to your dog. This means the you are human, you have the opposable thumbs and can opperate the can opener. Don't let you dog's actions control WHEN you do those things only humans can do.

Food is an incredibly valuable resource. As such, it should come from you, not from that round thing that is always magically full! Feed twice daily, rather than leaving food down. If your dog does not eat after ten minutes, pick the food up and put it away. Most dogs, even those previously free-fed, will quickly adapt to the new routine; no dog will starve himself. (If your dog is tiny, hypoglycemic, or has medical issues, check with your vet before switching to scheduled feedings.) For dogs with severe out of control issues, or to kick-start your program, hand-feed meals (a few pieces at a time) for two weeks. Have your dog sit, shake, or down to get each handful of food. I recommend feeding your dog at least twice a day (three times for young puppies). If you free feed your dog you are reliquishing control of the most primary resource, food. Feeding once a day means that the dog is on an empty stomach for approximately 18 hours. This could lead to hunger stress related problems and/or foraging.

Control toys and games. Control play. You should start and end all games. Leave your dog with a few toys, but reserve the really special ones for when you are present. Bring them out periodically (at least once a day) and play with your dog. Now you are also the source of all fun! Note: Playing tug is fine as long as you control the game, and your dog knows “Drop it”. Bring out the toy; initiate tug. Periodically freeze, followed by saying, “Drop it.” or "Out". When your dog releases, wait a beat, say, “Take it” and resume the game. (If at any time teeth touch skin, say, “Too bad!” and put the toy away.) When you have finished playing, put the toy away out of your dog’s reach.

Control sleeping/resting places. This is another resource you need to be in charge of, especially if you do not have good control of the dog. This means until you have more control, keep the dog off the furniture and out of your bed. Once there are no control issues and he will get down when asked, no problem! He can come up when invited. For dogs who are pushy and think they’re make their own choices, no couch/bed privileges until control is better established, and then only when invited.

4. Grooming and handling: You should be able to handle and groom your dog without the dog complaining, fussing or fighting with you. Your dog should be deferent to your handling. Handle your dog frequently, give positive reinforcement for calm acceptance. DO NOT let your dog go when it is fussing and fighting you. You'll only teach it he can control you by squirming around. Do daily massage, including paws, ears and mouth. This practice also makes for easier groomer/veterinary visits and alerts you to any physical abnormalities. (If your dog has issues about being handled, address them with a trainer’s help.)

5. Be fair and persistent and always finish what you started. For instance, if you told your dog to sit and he didn't, then put your hand on his rump and while saying sit again, push his rump to the ground gently. Don't let him get away with sometimes not complying, that sometimes will become always eventually. Mean what you say, and say what you mean. Otherwise, your dog will be confused. Don't give commands to your dog if she has not learned reliably what the command means. If your dog ignores known commands, take a hard look at your relationship. Ask yourself who's controlling whom?

6. Control the Space. If your dog zigzags in front as you walk, crowds you as you sit, or otherwise intrudes on your space, that’s not very polite! You need to control space. For zigzaggers, keep your feet firmly on the floor and shuffle right on through. Your dog will learn to move when legs approach. If you are standing and your dog crowds you, use your lower body to gently push him away. If you are sitting, fold your arms and gently move him away using your upper arm or forearm—do not speak or look at him as you do so. (Teaching “Off” is also helpful.) At doorways (until your dog has learned to “Wait” or “Back up”), either push your dog aside gently with your lower body or step in front to block his path. It is not necessary that you always pass through doorways first, but it should be your choice, and shoving is never acceptable! Don't allow your dog to charge through doors, up or down stairs, out gates, etc. before you. It's dangerous and it shows that the dog is out of control or too excited to be moving around you in a dangerous situation.