|
Basic Training Techniques
 Does
your dog get on the furniture and refuse to get off? Nudge your hand and insist
on being petted or played with? Refuse to come when called? Defend his food bowl
or toys from you?
If so, a training technique called "Nothing In Life Is Free" may be just the
solution you're looking for. "Nothing In Life Is Free" is not a magic pill that
will solve a specific behavior problem. Instead, it's a way of living with your
dog that will help him behave better because he trusts and accepts you as his
leader and is confident knowing his place in the family.
How to Practice "Nothing In Life Is Free"
- Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your dog a few commands and/or
tricks. "Sit," "Down," and "Stay" are useful commands. "Shake," "Speak," and
"Roll over" are fun tricks to teach your dog.
- Once your dog has mastered a few commands, you can begin to practice
"Nothing In Life Is Free." Before you give your dog anything (food, a treat, a
walk, a pat on the head) he must first perform one of the commands he has
learned. For example:
| YOU: |
YOUR DOG: |
| Put your dog's leash on to go for a
walk |
Must sit until you've put the leash on |
| Feed your dog |
Must lie down and stay until you've put
the bowl down |
| Play a game of fetch after work |
Must sit and "shake hands" each time
you throw the toy |
| Rub your dog's belly while watching TV |
Must lie down and roll over before
being petted |
- Once you've given the command, don't give your dog what he wants until he
does what you want. If he refuses to perform the command, walk away, come back
a few minutes later, and start again. If your dog refuses to obey the command,
be patient and remember that eventually he will have to obey your command to
get what he wants.
- Make sure your dog knows the command well and understands what you want
before you begin practicing "Nothing In Life Is Free."
The Benefits of this Technique
- Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs
will challenge their owners for dominance. Requiring a dominant dog to work
for everything he wants is a safe, non-confrontational way to establish
control.
- Dogs who may never display aggressive behavior such as growling, snarling,
or snapping may still manage to manipulate you. These dogs may display
affectionate behavior that borders on being "pushy," such as nudging your hand
to be petted or "worming" their way onto the furniture to be close to you.
This technique gently reminds the dog that he must abide by your rules.
- Fearful dogs may become more confident by obeying commands. Having a
strong leader and knowing his place in the hierarchy helps to make the
submissive dog feel more secure.
Why This Technique Works
Animals who live in groups, like dogs, establish a social structure within
the group called a dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy serves to
maintain order, reduce conflict, and promote cooperation among pack members. To
ensure that your home is a safe and happy place for pets and people, it's best
that the humans in the household assume the highest positions in the dominance
hierarchy. Practicing "Nothing In Life Is Free" gently and effectively
communicates to your dog that his position in the hierarchy is subordinate to
yours.
From your dog's point of view, children also have a place in this hierarchy.
Because children are small and can get down on the dog's level to play, dogs
often consider them to be playmates rather than superiors. With the supervision
of an adult, it's a good idea to encourage children in the household who are
eight years or older to also practice "Nothing In Life Is Free" with the family
dog.
©2002. Adapted from material originally developed by applied
animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights
reserved.
Up
Aggression
Barking
Basic Training Techniques
Caring for Your Dog
Choosing a Dog Trainer
Crate Training
Destructive Chewing
Digging
Dog Toys
Do You Chain Your Dog
Dominant Dogs
Eating Strange Objects
Escaping
Fear of Thunder
Fearful Dogs
Housetraining
How to Use a Head Halter
Introducing Pets to a New Dog
Positive Reinforcement
Puppy Behavior Basics
Puppy Chewing
Puppy Nipping and Rough Play
Separation Anxiety
Stay Dog Bite Free
Submissive and Excitement Urination
Urine-Marking Behavior
Using Aversives to Modify Your Dog's Behavior
Removing Pet Stains and Odors
Dog Who's Left Outside
Dogs and Pickup Trucks Don't Mix
|
