BASIC TRAINING TIPS:
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.
|
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.
Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal
behaviorists at the
Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved.
If you have questions or need our services, please contact the shelter
at
618.346.5213 or contact us today via
e-mail
Copyrights 2009 WARREN BILLHARTZ ANIMAL SHELTER OF
COLLINSVILLE. A KTLLC Communications Solution