Don't be Santa to your dog!

We have no problems raising our children and controlling their environment. We do so to keep them safe or from doing something silly. Our dogs need that same act of guidance. We tell our children when to play, go to sleep, brush their teeth, where they can color, who they can play with, what they can watch, what they can eat; yet we fail to help our dogs in the same capacity. We are bold enough to call them our "furbabies", but don't offer the full parentel experince that would help them navigate this human world we trap them in. If we changed our mindset just a smidge on what raising a dog truly entails, we could eliminate most behavorial issues by being a good parent that our dogs do not walk all over and look to for guidance.

Once you take charge of everything that your dog values, your dog learns that nothing in life is free. Your dog begins to earn all rewards. Your dog will learn that everything and anything that they enjoy comes from you. You become the source of all good things!

- Invitation Only: (control all resources)

o Food

§ Food is given at designated meal times only. She should calmly wait in her crate while the food is prepared. Take the food to your dog and present it a few feet in front of them. She must be truly calm before each step is taken. Then present the food in the crate. Once she is totally calm, invite her to eat the food by tapping on the bowl.

o Space

§ Space is one of the most important resources in the dog world. YOU, the human should decide where your dog puts their body. The human must also claim and own their own intimate space at all times

o Time

§ You are the one who decides what you and your dog will do at any given moment. Do not respond to your dog’s demands to do anything specific. You set the timetable.

o Toys

§ DON’T BE SANTA. Toys should be picked up and put up. When you think your dog would enjoy playing with a toy, you select one toy form the box and give it to them once they are in a calm and respectful of you and your space. Engage in play with them. Periodically remove the toy from your dog, ask him to surrender, and then give it back or replace it with a different toy.

o Affection

§ This is one of the most important resources to control. The one who controls the affection is the one who controls the relationship. Affection can be defined as – talking to your dog, touching your dog, giving soft eye contact to your dog, sharing soft energy with your dog, giving treats, food, play, or other things the dog might want.

Never give affection when your dog demands it. Instead help him earn your affection by doing something like choosing a calm, surrender state-of-mind and giving you space. Then use affection as a reward for a job well done.

o Access to humans

If you are not controlling the resources, you most likely are a resource. Why do dogs become "protective" of their owners? Why do dogs lay on you? Blow you off? Ignore commands or even snapat yo uif they disagree with the direction you're giving? Often times it's because you ahve become a resource rather than owner and sharing resources with your dog. Own your space and control all other resources so you don't become a resource yourself! And ensure your dog does not claim or get pushy with any other humans - including family members, guests, and strangers.

All of the information, tools, treats, medications, or techniques in the world won't help you resolve behavioral issues if you don't build a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and respect (via leadership).

Credit:

Bevill Dog Behavior Leadership Program

Nina Briese - Buddhahood Canine Behavior