Basic Training Techniques
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.
- 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. For example:
YOU Put your dog's leash on to go for a walk
YOUR DOG Must sit until you've put the leash on
YOU Feed your dog
YOUR DOG Must lie down and stay until you've put the bowl down
YOU Play a game of fetch after work
YOUR DOG Must sit and "shake hands" each time you throw the toy
Teach Your Dog to Shake
Strict training is a wonderful activity to participate -- with you and your god it is both mentally and physically in reaching for your dog. And it improves your skills as your -- trainer. An easy trick that you can get started with would be -- for some people refer to attache. And we want to make sure that you interest training -- -- training fun and positive for -- got a good recommendation I'd like to give everyone. Is this the temptation. Raptor got whenever training any behavior you want them to think it through. And in order for them to do that you need to break down into small achievable steps and you're not necessarily looking for the end result. You're looking for anything that's moving in that direction -- So for pop I'm not gonna grabbing this seat he might not like that he's also not using his brain if I'm doing the work -- So don't -- if it's something with their -- often is there talk so I'm going to put this poetry right on Jack's knows. I'm gonna have my hand ready when he tries to knock them out of my he has he can't get them with this now. I'm just gonna wait for that -- wait for any armed movement whatsoever. He moves his left caught just a little bit so that was a nice babies. A lot of movement out of the right plan and try again. I say the word good -- every time he does his behavior correctly. And slowly it looks like I'm gonna be able to shape he. But can you give me off with enough repetition. Of hearing the words good when his pot touches my arm. So we make that association I think I'm ready to take the treats away. Good. -- certainly still gonna get -- but I don't necessarily want them up front anymore but work a little to ration so that he'll hold -- -- beautiful. -- Now he's doing at that readily but I'd like to put a verbal cue on it I'm going to be able Thursday. Before. -- And now let's talk my dog to get off.
YOU Rub your dog's belly while watching TV
YOUR DOG 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."
- 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.
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.
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