03/18/2024
3 Skills That Will Change the Way You Live with Your Dog
A lot of the tricks and skills we teach our dogs are centered around safety, but secondary to that is convenience both for you, the dog, and those around you either in the household or in public. Many dog owners come to me thinking there is something wrong with their dog because it is driving them up a wall, but most times when the situation is explained I see one big constant which is a lack of boundaries. Your dog NEEDS boundaries to know what is expected of them. It is far easier to teach a dog what to DO rather than getting mad at them when they do something they didn't know wasn't allowed. Clear communication is key to any relationship, so here are three skills to teach your dog (of any age or breed) that will improve your relationship and change the way you live with them.
1. Settling
Is your dog or puppy bouncing off the walls? Are they always getting into things or trying to find something to occupy them? Then your dog probably doesn't have automatic settle. They have not been taught to be content with doing nothing or what to do when they are bored. This is a skill taught over time, but with a clear spot for them to go and some positive reinforcement you can help your dog build this habit. Provide them with a physical place to settle. This can be an open crate, a dog bed, a specific spot on the couch, even a preferred blanket. You can start by leading the dog to that spot and pairing it with a cue, I use the word "bed". Make sure you have something to reward your dog on that spot. For most dogs, some kibble or treats will do just fine. For pickier dogs, a chew, favorite toy, or even gentle praise and affection will do. You know your dog best and what they like, it's important to provide something to them when they are on their "bed". After you initially introduce it a few times, it is up to you to consistently reward them when they choose to go to that spot. Putting a small jar of treats out of the dog's reach but near the dog's spot for easy access will help you build this habit. Soon, you'll notice your dog going to the spot more and more.
2. Recall
Coming when called is arguably the most important skill for a dog to have, and yet many dogs lack it. Recall consists of three basics: getting the dog's attention, having the dog come all the way to you, and a finishing behavior. This seems simple enough, but we have to teach all three basics in small steps before we can take the skill to a higher level. My favorite way to introduce recall to any age of dog is through a pattern game. You can use treats or kibble. It is best to introduce this in your home, which is the most contained and least distracting place for your dog. You will show the dog the piece of food you have and toss it away from you. The dog will go after it and as soon as they eat the piece of food you will say their name. Their name is getting their attention, usually the dog will shift their ears towards you or look at you. Then you will use your recall word. It can be "come", "here", "with me", or anything really. You just have to be consistent and use the same word every time. You are teaching your dog that this word means "come all the way to me". If the dog doesn't return all the way, continue to encourage it verbally. Do not meet them halfway with their reward. Give them 2-3 pieces of food when they return to you. This is a pattern game, so you will want to repeat it multiple times. Once your dog understands the pattern and seems to grasp the recall cue, you can add a finishing behavior. This is a behavior or position that you add onto the end of a recall to prevent "boomerang", which is when the dog recalls, gets their treat and immediately runs off again. The most common finishing behavior is "sit". So then the pattern will look like this: toss treat ➡️ dog chases and eats treat ➡️ "dog, come!" ➡️ dog returns ➡️ "dog, sit" ➡️ reward with 2-3 treats ➡️ repeat
It is a simple game that can be played 5-10 minutes a day that will set you up for success later.
For dogs who are more toy motivated you can use two toys in rotate rather than food.
3. Thresholds
Also known as door manners. One of the most stressful things some dog owners experience is their dog trying to bolt out of any open door and take themselves for a run. Dogs who have the urge to run and wander learn very quickly that an open door is an opportunity for adventure. We want our dogs to understand that the doorway is a threshold they aren't allowed to cross without permission, whether it is open or closed. For this exercise, you will need your dog on a leash. The first try should ideally be when it is quiet outside with minimal distractions for your dog. Open your front door with your dog on the leash and if they know how to sit, ask them to. If your dog walks out straight away, simply walk them back inside. Remember they're on a leash, they're attached to you. When your dog successfully sits at the threshold, give them the release cue and excitedly walk outside with them! The cue word can be anything like "let's go", "outside", "okay", etc. Remember to be consistent. Repeat this sequence so that your dog learns that sitting and waiting for the cue is rewarded with going outside with you. Slowly increase the amount of time you have them sit before you release them. If they break their sit, just help them reset. This will take more time for some dogs than others.
If your dog does not know how to sit, they can stand. The goal is simply for them to wait before crossing the threshold until permission is given.
Note: These three training games are foundational. They do not teach these three skills to their full extent, but they will get you and your dog started towards building good habits and strengthening your relationship.
~The Dog Nerd
