I train my dogs with the same philosophy that I teach my students: nothing in life is free. Really. Nothing. (Unless you are really, really lucky, but that doesn't count).
The Nothing in Life is Free philosophy is simple: your dog gets nothing without earning it first. It really is a simple concept, but, for some people, it is hard to grasp. Why? Because we want to love and spoil our dogs. Trust me. My dogs are loved and spoiled and they don't suffer any hardship having to work for what they get.
My dogs have been trained to sit before they get in and out of cars. They know they have to sit and wait for their food. They sit before leashes go on (and come off). They sit before they go outside. If they choose to break their sit, they sit again.
Yes, I said choose.
Just like people, dogs can choose. If my dogs choose wisely, they get rewarded (they get in the car, go outside, get their food). If they choose unwisely, they get a chance to try again. They don't get reprimanded. I simply reset them and we try again. Today, for example, we got back from our walk. Both dogs know that they cannot exit the car until being told to. Gracie waited nicely and she was released. Garmin decided he was going to jump out of the car and run to the door. I went over, picked up his leash, put him back in the car and made him wait. The whole process took less than 30 seconds, but he learned that he can't make that decision on his own.
It is to the point now that I usually don't have to say anything to Gracie and Garmin. They auto sit at doors. They lay patiently in their designated spots at dinner time and wait for their food. The routine has created calm, happy dogs. And a happy me.
The Nothing in Life is Free philosophy is simple: your dog gets nothing without earning it first. It really is a simple concept, but, for some people, it is hard to grasp. Why? Because we want to love and spoil our dogs. Trust me. My dogs are loved and spoiled and they don't suffer any hardship having to work for what they get.
My dogs have been trained to sit before they get in and out of cars. They know they have to sit and wait for their food. They sit before leashes go on (and come off). They sit before they go outside. If they choose to break their sit, they sit again.
Yes, I said choose.
Just like people, dogs can choose. If my dogs choose wisely, they get rewarded (they get in the car, go outside, get their food). If they choose unwisely, they get a chance to try again. They don't get reprimanded. I simply reset them and we try again. Today, for example, we got back from our walk. Both dogs know that they cannot exit the car until being told to. Gracie waited nicely and she was released. Garmin decided he was going to jump out of the car and run to the door. I went over, picked up his leash, put him back in the car and made him wait. The whole process took less than 30 seconds, but he learned that he can't make that decision on his own.
It is to the point now that I usually don't have to say anything to Gracie and Garmin. They auto sit at doors. They lay patiently in their designated spots at dinner time and wait for their food. The routine has created calm, happy dogs. And a happy me.
Is it easier to give your dog everything that he wants without having him earn it? Sure. But, would you want your child to do that? To expect that everything will always be handed to him? Is it easier to give into a dog that is demanding food, attention or toys? Yes, but again--will you give into a person demanding something? Or someone who feel entitled to it? (Yes, I know that dogs aren't children or people, but the concept is the same--something earned is much more valuable than something given. At least that is my experience).
If you are interested in more information about the Nothing in Life is Free philosophy, there are lots of resources out there. Remember: it is about giving the dog what they want AFTER they have given you what you want. They want to sniff a tree? They sit. They want to play fetch? Make them lay down.
This has NOTHING to do with my being dominant over them (I don't buy into dominance theory). It has everything to do with creating a dog with manners and impulse control. And happiness. Don't forget the happiness.
If you are interested in more information about the Nothing in Life is Free philosophy, there are lots of resources out there. Remember: it is about giving the dog what they want AFTER they have given you what you want. They want to sniff a tree? They sit. They want to play fetch? Make them lay down.
This has NOTHING to do with my being dominant over them (I don't buy into dominance theory). It has everything to do with creating a dog with manners and impulse control. And happiness. Don't forget the happiness.