Most trainers believe that having rules, boundaries and limitations are essential in creating a harmonious household. Because of their nature as social pack animals, dogs want us to tell them what they’re supposed to do, which leads to that harmony. They look to the human in their life as their “pack leader” so our job is to learn how to effectively communicate with our dog. And since their goal is to help the pack survive, and they do it by following the pack leader, as pack leaders we are to provide protection and direction. Establishing and enforcing rules, boundaries, and limitations is how we provide that direction and protection to the pack.
Teaching rules, boundaries, and limitations requires a partnership with your dog where she defers to your cues or instructions. But remember, it’s your responsibility to reward positive behavior throughout the teaching, which results in a dog who learns to follow your instructions and rules because she is confident it will benefit her in the end.
When teaching her acceptable rules, boundaries, and limitations, it’s important to keep in mind that dogs are social animals and they have their own rules, within their species, on how to act and what is appropriate behavior. Fortunately for us, dogs are adaptable and can learn to live under a new set of rules (our rules) and expectations for the most part. But until we clearly define the rules and set distinct boundaries, our dogs will not understand that we don’t appreciate barking, nipping, butt sniffing, etc. It isn’t until we set rules, boundaries, and limitations that we can coexist in a positive way. If dogs are not given clear expectations and directions that are enforced inconsistently, they can become frustrated and confused. With a frustrated and confused dog comes a frustrated and confused owner… an owner who may then consider relinquishing their ‘untrainable’ dog to the shelter.
What are Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations? RULES refer to what a dog is and isn’t allowed to do.
Here are some examples:
Stay off my bed
Sleep on your own bed
Don’t jump on people
Don’t pull on the walk
BOUNDARIES control where a dog can and can’t go. It is about claiming territory and teaching your dog what is and isn’t her’s.
Here are some examples:
The baby’s room is off-limits
Don’t go out the door until I say so
You can only enter my personal space when I invite you
LIMITATIONS control the length or intensity of an activity.
Here are some examples:
We stop playing fetch when I say so
You’re too excited, so it’s time to return to a calm and submissive state
It's time to stop barking (thank you for alerting me)
Rules, boundaries and limitations can keep a dog from misbehaving because they give her something else to do. For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, create a rule that she has to lie on her bed when you’re getting ready to leave. This will keep her from becoming too excited because she associates the bed with being calm and submissive. She will stay in this frame of mind when you leave.
If your dog is an obsessive beggar, create a boundary around the table, constraining her from approaching while people are eating. Because our dog wants to please us, our approval becomes the positive reinforcement they are looking for and need. We just have to be very clear and consistent with what we want and how we communicate. Creating rules, boundaries, and limitations and enforcing them provides that clarity and consistency for our dogs resulting in a happier and emotionally calm pet.
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