What does it mean to manage your dog?
This is in reference to behavior. When our dogs make poor choices be it bark at the neighbor kids or get in the trash, this all falls into behaviors we want to change.
So, when we talk about managing your dog, it is literally just that. Time to take steps to control what is going on.
Keeping in mind, if we allow “x” behavior to continue, our dogs are not going to stop, they will continue to do what is reinforcing to them. Basically, what makes them feel good.
Barking at the neighbor kids is generally great fun for your dog, barking blows off steam and makes our dog feel better, clearly, there can be more to this, but this is a very simplified explanation.
Just like digging in the trash can be rewarding…. of course, it is they found food and paid themselves for a job well done.
In most cases, we can see a pattern when it comes to a lack of management. Most dogs that find trouble, do so because they are bored.
A bored dog is generally a destructive dog, which all boils down to a lack of management on the human side.
So how do you change things in your home?
First, make a list of all the things your dog does that you dislike.
Next, think about what you can do to change it.
For example, for the dog rooting in the trash, pick up the can and put it up on the counter when you leave, or put a baby gate up so your dog does not have access to the kitchen, or maybe putting your dog in his or her crate is an even better option.
Once you start analyzing the list of what you want to change, you will find coming up with a management solution can be easy.
Now I get that most people just want the problem to stop, I hear ya. The first step in stopping the issue is management, there really is no way to avoid it.
Many times, we call what is going on a behavior chain. This is because it happens over and over again, and we cannot stop it for one reason or another. Management will allow you to break the behavior chain, which in turn you can then train the proper response for the situation.
The hiccup is, if we don’t manage the situation first, it is nearly impossible for the training to work.
Here are a few management issues that people commonly run into:
Potty issues in the house
Barking at people or dogs
Lunging at other dogs on leash
Fence chasing
Critter Chasing
Door Dashing
Chewing furniture
Chewing kids toys
Tearing up the yard
Collar / Harness Slipping
Here are some common management tools that can be used:
Baby gates
Crates
Exercise pens
Harness
Head Halter
Leash
Stuffed Kong
High value chewy
Interactive toys
My goal is to get you thinking out of the box by anticipating the problem, preventing the problem with smart management, then teach your dog a new skill to overcome the issue.
On that note, if you are interested in online training that can help with real life training skills such as these, make sure to check out our NEW Pawsitive Principles Online Academy Membership. The doors open SOON and will never be offered at this price again
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Our membership is for you if you are looking for real-world solutions that are fun and easy to implement with your dog. This is not your typical “sit and stay” training, we live in the real world and know that people have a million and one things going on.
For that reason, our training is practical, easy to implement, and not overwhelming. We will help you, help your dog be a better member of the family.
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