How to build a solid place command:
11 days into this adventure with Billie and she is already learning hefty boundaries and solid obedience.
A place command is one of the first things I teach my dogs. It gives them a safe place, it teaches and then long term reinforces impulse control, and it teaches them how to settle.
I also recommend to pretty much every client a place command as most dogs struggle with the things listed above.
If Billie would have left, I would have immediately put her back on reinforcing with another “place” command. Building these exercises into my daily routine of straightening up the house and vacuuming the couch makes training feel more natural. In reality it only takes a few seconds of my time to start, reinforce, and release her.
Having a specific surface as her “place” helps to teach her what I’m asking; at 5 months old Billie, and most puppies, are very literal and need a specific item to gravitate to. As she gets older I start to apply it to other locations and items.
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What is breed fulfillment?
Breed fulfillment is the act of giving your dog the opportunity to follow their natural instincts and perform the work they were bred to do.
While the majority of dogs don’t have jobs and live pampered lives, they all have instincts raging through them that when the opportunity presents itself creates behavioral reactions that can sometimes puzzle their pet parents. Most dogs were originally bred for a purpose; even Yorkshire Terriers were bred for hunting mice and other rodents.
Mixed breed dogs also have breed fulfillment. And while it might require ascertaining their genetic make up via a DNA test, they have instincts just the same.
Willow, my pure bred Belgian Malinois, comes from a strong line of police dogs. This means her genetics want her to sniff and track and find things. The game of “Find It” is a simple way to ensure I’m meeting her instinctual requirements and requires little effort on my part.
Breed fulfillment is mentally and physically draining for our dogs and is an efficient way to meet their needs. Keep in mind some dogs can be disconnected from their instincts which is the result of poor breeding, lack of socialization, and being treated more like humans than dogs.
So I ask you to consider, what does my dog need? Who are they as a breed?
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #breedfulfillment #indianapolis #dogsofinstagram #indydogs
I get asked all of the time, how do you create consistently good dogs? The answer: ask the same from them all the time.
Consistency is key. Even though we are 750 miles from home in a totally new environment, I do not allow feeding time to be chaotic. Their food bowls are different. Their eating spots keep changing. However, everyone still has to respectfully wait for their food.
Just cause a dog acts perfect at home doesn’t automatically mean it will be perfect out of the home. Rarely is that the case. You have to practice translating all behaviors in all environments so your dog learns the expectations. By doing this, it also reduces anxiety in your dog and builds trust in you as their handler. Your dog wants structure and routine. It is up to you to build that for them.
P.S. Ignore the mess. Tiny cabin with 2 humans and. 3 dogs currently living in it.
P.S.S. Vacation is going amazing. I spent half of today sleeping. The other half watching the Olympics, reading, eating, and walking the dogs.
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #indianapolis
Respecting Thresholds.
A lot of people have issues with their dogs crossing thresholds when their humans don’t want them to. I define a threshold as any door way, exterior gate, and even the door of the dogs crate.
Just because a threshold is open, doesn’t mean your dog should cross it. While usually the temptation is to escape the home or the crate, the respect needs to go both directions. The way your dog enters a space will define their attitude and behavior in the space.
Thresholds are also a great time to practice obedience as it helps reinforce the respect aspect and obedience should be built into as many activities as possible to hold both humans and dogs accountable. You should be able to open any door in your house without risk of your dog escaping. This takes time and practice.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
