Creating structure and boundaries inside the home leads to success outside the home.
So often we hear someone remark that they don't understand why their dog is behaving badly out and about, when they are always so good at home. When you pull back the curtains, the answer in most cases is lack of structure at home. I know! It's counterintuitive to most dog owners since the problems they notice manifest outside their home.
The reality is your buddy seems like they are listening to you because when you are at home their interest and your interest align most of the time. It'd be like if, as a parent you spent the entire day telling your seven-year-old, I want to do nothing, but spend time with you. I want to do all your favorite things, take you to the places you love the most and give you all your favorite foods because it will make you happy. That would be the best behaved seven- year-old on the planet. FOR THAT DAY! The next day, when they go back to school, have homework they don't want to do and Brussel sprouts for dinner, they will not be smiling at you sweetly and being that ammenable child they were the day before. Because their interests no longer run parallel to yours.
It's the same way with dogs. Whether we realize it or not we establish a routine with them in the home, they have tons of freedom, they follow us from room to room, we give them cookies for being cute, and we lavish attention on them with our words and our petting.
Having healthy boundaries and creating structure for our four-legged family members is a must. They are very similar to young children; if we leave them to satisfy their own impulses every day at home, then they have no accountability to make good choices once we venture out in public.
What are a few ways we can start creating structure and implementing boundaries at home? There are so many things you can do in these areas that promote strong mental health for the dog and hold them accountable to controlling their impulses.
One way of beginning to implement structure is with crate training. When crate training, the key element is that the dog must fully settle in the crate. When the dog is displaying signs of anxiety (like whining or shifting constantly) then they have not relaxed their mental state. This is a crucial focus for creating the right mental framework for the dog to exist in. They need to learn to decompress and absorb or "soak" in their experiences. Once the crate becomes a new part of their everyday routine, you can begin to implement the "place" command. Teaching your dog how to stay in a set place / on a specific object can be great for establishing boundaries. If you have a dog that won't let you out of their sight, this is a great tool for beginning to cut the apron strings that create separation anxiety. Teaching your dog place is pretty simple. Just remember place is a specific location, not a position. Meaning don't make the dog "lay down" or "sit" in place because that muddies the water for the dog. Dogs are simple. Sit. Down. Place. These are all different commands for your dog. They will most likely lay down eventually and if it happens organically that's completely acceptable.
Once you master place; you have a tool in your belt that has infinite possibilities. Have your dog place whenever you are in a specific room (like the kitchen or the bathroom) and be out of your sightline. With time and patience the dog will learn to chill out independent of you and your attention. Our guys place while we clean the house. It's a lot easier without everyone under foot.
I've barely touched on the how to and reasons why you should, but there are many resources out there for teaching boundaries and creating structure. A good trainer will be able to break down the teaching steps for these processes so you can learn them along with your dog.
- Good vibes everyone!
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