Nothing in life is free

Nothing in life is free is a phrase that was coined by Jean Donaldson, author of 'Culture Clash', a book about human/canine relationships and how we see each other.  Most inexperienced dog owners don't realize that we can have complete control over the dog by controlling their environment.  We are the humans, they are the dogs!  That means that everything they get in their life comes through us.  All we need to do is relay that to them and we have a great teaching tool and behavior modification philosophy.  And they do not hold a grudge, they will love us for it. Think about all the things that your dog loves to do.  Make a list.  My dogs like to run outside, eat, chase chickens, hop up on the couch next to me, chew bully sticks, and the list goes on.  Now, how can I control their behavior with this knowledge?  First of all they NEVER get food unless they do something for it.  This includes their meal as well as a treat.  They must sit, lie down, roll over, etc….  They have to do something to get to eat.  And I make sure they know I provide the food.  That means if you have a food bowl always set out in the kitchen, remove it.  Dogs eat two times per day.  It's healthier for them anyway, to say nothing of the fact that the dog should not be controlling his own food intake.  Also remove all toys, raw hides, and any other chew toys.  They only get this for good behavior. You should control exiting the door.  Your dog does not get to blast through the door.  Make him sit and wait, if he gets up, the door closes.  If you allow your dog on the furniture make sure you have your spot first and INVITE him up.  Make him sit first.  Be creative!  So many people under use the sit command.  So is the down.  Let your dog know that good quiet behavior will get them what they want.  My dogs actually offer a down or a sit in may circumstances (like at the vets, or when I meet a friend and stop to talk) because they know that good things come from just being good.  What we can't forget to do is then praise and reinforce the dog. When you ask your dog for behaviors before giving him what he wants, you actually have the beginning of a routine forming with you as the leader.  Routines and leaders are two things that dogs need in their life to feel secure.  This in turn will create a more obedient dog!