No Free Lunch
This might be the most important change you will be making
in your dog’s life. Applied correctly it can go a long way in changing your
dog’s behavior and transforming your dog into a trained dog.
The idea is simple – your dog needs to “work” for every
little thing he gets. Dogs were bred to work. They have a very high drive to
work and please their owners. If that drive is not being put into work, your
dog will grow confused and will find all kind of rewarding things to do. Most
of them you will not like at all.
Make a list of the things your dog likes:
- Food
- Toys
- Attention
- Going on walks
- Playing with other dogs
- Going for car rides
- Etc…
Each dog’s list will be a different one but they need to
contain all the things the dog will be willing to work for.
Now, every time you give your dog one of the items on the
list just ask him to do something like sitting or laying down. Instead of
training your dog at times that are designated for that (or in addition to), you
will be training your dog all the time.
Two examples.
- When feeding your dog hold the bowl up high and ask your dog to sit. Once he sits lower the bowl and let him eat.
- When taking your dog for a walk, ask him to sit before you put the leash on him.
In a few days you will notice your dog “offering” these
rewarding behaviors. It is very important that you pay attention to it and let
him know it was a good thing to do. Just say “good boy” and pet him and your
dog will be content.
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