Little man Basil (8 months old now) ran out the door this morning to say hi to a neighbor…
SOOOOOO it’s time to work those threshold manners some more! Now that he’s getting older, he’s pushing boundaries becoming more “brave” with his actions. He did understand to a degree thresholds from watching the older dogs in our home, but now it’s time to work one on one with him.
All you need is some treats, a leash to start for safety and accountability, a marker your dog already KNOWS (I use “Yes”), and a door!! The point is to mark when he respects the boundary, so walking up to it without crossing it as well as holding that position after they get better at it.
I also utilize “no” in my training to help clarify to dogs when the behavior they offer isn’t the right one, so it encourages them to try again and THINK!
I’ll do this exercise for 2-3 minutes a couple times a day and he’ll have it down in no time!
👉 DM me if you’re not sure how to get started!
Do you have a dog that could play fetch for HOURS?? Or maybe a pup who’s super smart with high drive, desperately looking for a job? Then this is even more useful for you!!
For most dogs, doing the same thing over and over, especially fetch, is mindless and only exercises their body; leaving their brain wanting more. For example: do you remember being tired after PE class is school, but EXHAUSTED after advanced chemistry? (🙋🏼♀️)
You can incorporate simple obedience tasks into fetch, tug o war, frisbee, and even good ol’ fashion wrestling! Here’s how it benefits them:
- Strengthening Impulse Control
- Practice Emotional Regulation
- Encourages them to THINK rather than “respond”
- Proofing Obedience Commands
- Builds a Stronger Relationship with YOU
- TIRE OUT THEIR BRAIN
But they still know who runs this mothaf*cka 💁🏼♀️
This has been a game changer for my pups when it comes to keeping their nails short and dull!! The process is very easy to teach, but keep in mind the dog in his video already knows how to do it. So be patient and simply wait for your dog to get a little frustrated and start to scratch at it at their own pace!
*Use some really high value treats to start!
Pilsner (the older scruffy dog) has some pretty firm boundaries when it comes to other dogs invading his space, so he’s my go to when puppies need to learn some manners!
Miles (1 yr Dogo Argentino) can be REALLY pushy when it comes to play and he tends to throw his body weight around. Right off the bat, he’s trying to get Pilsner to engage and offers a few small bounces and play bows, but when he puts his face right into his, Pilsner gives a very quick and firm “HELL NO.”
When Miles roles over to submit, Pilsner tries to sniff his manhood (traditional informative behavior) but turns around and corrects him again for trying to get up when he’s not done.
Dogs are VERY accurate with their mouths and body language, so is Pilsner wanted to cause harm or hurt him he absolutely would have.
After a pretty good correction, Miles slinks off and still returns to try again, BUT when Pilsner goes stiff and tells him he’s not interested, he walks away on his own!
In the next portion, you’ll notice that Miles is offering the play bows, but from farther away and WAITS for Pilsner to engage! Now they can play since both parties are willing.
Seriously, how often does your dog blow you off when you say their name? Do you sometimes feel like they don’t even know it?! Then checkout the online course to master their Name Responsiveness PLUS much more, including:
👉🏻 Impulse Control
👉🏻 Implied Stay
👉🏻 Sit, Down, BREAK!
👉🏻 Place
👉🏻 Leash pressure
👉🏻 Troubleshooting
A couple things:
1. Don’t make your life more difficult by adding ANOTHER creature to your household that is going to need time and dedication if you’re still struggling with the first one.
2. Dogs feed off of each other, so it’s easy for the new dog to learn bad habits the OG already has.
3. Puppies are like little sponges!! Your life will be insanely easier if your adult can HELP teach them commands and how the world works.
4. An age gab of 1-2 years is ideal while dogs are still maturing (most dogs continue to mature until 3 years old)
5. Avoid multiple puppies at once AT ALL COSTS!! Google “Littermate Syndrome” to learn why…
Why is this important?
👉🏻 Not only does it ensure you can keep your dog safe in the event of anything else popping up on the trail (another dog, person, bikes, runners, wild animals, environmental dangers, horses, etc) it’s just plain responsible and RESPECTFUL to those around you!
When you’re dog is out and about, you should@always control regardless of whether they’re wearing a leash or not.
First off, MOST puppies inhale their food! Which obviously isn’t healthy… so these kinds of feeding methods help slow them down (and give you a couple minutes of peace 😅)
ALSO! These games and brain teasers help build problem solving skills, focus, patience, impulse control, and mental stimulation that contributes to a more well rounded dog!
AND! The interactive games that involve YOU help create a stronger bond and higher value in your relationship. Take a little time to get the most out of your puppy’s (or adult dog’s!) meals!
A week ago, this interaction would have sent 5 month old GSD Shadow squealing away! After spending time with a healthy pack of dogs, he can now read the signs and take a minor correction like without getting his feelings hurt!
I LOVE watching dogs interact like this, it’s amazing how truly accurate they are with their communication. *I am ALWAYS monitoring and ready to intervene if necessary.
Basil is a 15 week old Cattledog and we’ve only done this exercise a couple times. It has quickly become one of his FAVORITE games and improved his focus immensely!
You can do this with all kinds of behaviors you want to encourage from your dog, reach out to learn more!
