Dogs can get the impression that they are in control because they can take charge of many of the small things in the relationship, like when they eat, when they get petted, or when they want to play.
These things are not that important for people, so we tend to go along with what the dog wants; it’s no big deal. However, if your dog thinks they are making important decisions, they will assume responsibility for ones we don’t want them to make. If your dog pulls on the lead they probably think they are taking you for a walk.
If your dog won’t stop barking when people come to the door, they probably think that they have the responsibility for deciding who comes in and who doesn’t. Dogs like rules. When dogs don’t understand the rules they can live under severe stress. Consistency is vital. If the rules are inconsistent how can they possibly comprehend them? You need to communicate to your dog, without using any force or confrontation, that you are in control of your relationship. To do this, you need to take ownership of the resources that are important to your dog, but not necessarily to you.
There are only three things of major importance to all dogs: food, toys/games and attention.
Food
It is only good manners for your dog to say “please” before they are given their food, or any treats. The way to do this is to control the food, not the dog. Show your dog what is on offer and ask them to “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “shake paws”, or any other command that they know, or you want to teach them. Don’t put the food down until your dog has asked nicely. Your dog should do something for you, before you do something for them. Do not compete or argue with your dog by using lots of commands. Keep hold of the food bowl and do not put it down until they have done as you asked.
Toys
There are two types of toy for dogs: ones that they play with by themselves or with other dogs, “Free Play Toys,” and ones that we play with them, “Interactive Toys” (it could actually be the same toy, but they are defined by how they are used).
Free Play Toys – It’s a good idea to keep all of these toys in a toy box, so that you have control over their use. Select toys to give to your dog when you wish, and put them away again when you want to. Rotate your dog’s toys: a couple today, a different couple tomorrow. This will increase the value of the toys and the amount of time your dog plays with them, because they are not always available, and it increases your value, because you provide ‘new’ toys every day.
Interactive Toys – When you play with toys with your dog, they also get your attention – a double whammy! The toy should come out when you want to play and go away when you are done. You own it. This gives your dog clear signals about playtime and gives the toy immense value.
Attention (including affection)
We have dogs because we like to interact with them. What we mustn’t forget is that our attention is ours to give when we want, not when we are manipulated into giving it by a puppy. This is not a “no attention” relationship, in fact you can give as much attention as you like. What you need to be aware of is exactly when you give attention, and what your dog perceives they did to earn that attention.
Remember, behaviour that is rewarded is likely to be repeated, and any kind of attention (even negative attention like being shouted at) is more rewarding than none at all. Give your dog lots of attention, but make it conditional on good behaviour. If your dog bites your knees and subsequently gets attention, they are likely to repeat the behaviour. If they are ignored when they sit quietly on the mat, they are less likely to repeat that behaviour.
When your dog pesters you for attention, actively ignore behaviour you don’t like. Stand up, turn your back, fold your arms, do not speak and look away (attention = speech, eye contact or touch). If it is really bad walk out of the room.
Alternatively, reinforce behaviours you do like. Tell your dog to fetch a toy and then reward them with lots of fuss. Ask them to sit, or lie down, or any non-invasive behaviour, but DON’T FORGET TO REWARD them. This will mean that behaviours that you like will become more frequent, and other behaviours will decrease.
If you are retraining non-invasive behaviours at the expense of previous undesirable ones, it may get worse before it gets better. Your dog has always had a response before, and now doesn’t get it, so may do their particular “attention seeking” behaviour more, or even try new behaviours.
Once your dog knows you are in control they can relax.
- “Pushy” dogs are given firm boundaries are so there is no point in constantly testing the limits.
- Relief from the pressure of making decisions reduces stress: “Who shall I let in? Can I eat that road-kill? Can I still get attention when I want?”
- Timid dogs gain confidence. Once they know what the rules are they never have to be worried about offending someone.
- Dogs know you are in charge, so will look towards you for guidance, making training so much easier.
- Dogs shouldn’t have to bear the burden of looking after us; we should be looking after them!
This philosophy comes in many guises, but it is universally accepted as the kindest way to explain rules to dogs; punishment often disappears altogether. In behaviour modification programmes it is often called “Learn to Earn”. You may also hear of it as “Lifestyle Training”, “Holistic Training” or “NILIF” (Nothing In Life Is Free). Regardless of what you call it, when you are in control of the relationship, you are in control of your dog.