Even friendlier dogs still need training
We have a small, very cute spaniel. The problem is that she has become too friendly. Whether at the pet store, groomers or even on the street, she thinks that everyone is a friend she has yet to meet. Everyone is ready with attention and cookies. I do not want her pulling to every stranger she sees. No matter how many times I try to get her to focus on me, she is too focused on others. How do I get her listen more to me when around strangers?
Typically, obedience is seen as teaching skills. Once the dog demonstrates these skills, owners expect their dog to do them. Except, that is not how things work.
Dogs are often rewarded by people and the environment, usually for things we do not like.
Friendly, social dogs are frequently spoiled. Clerks, friends and family are cookie-dispensing, attention-giving machines. So long as pulling towards people is profitable some of the time, pulling will continue. Training loose leash walking is sabotaged.
It can be like diligently working out to lose weight, only to eat fries and cheesecake for supper. Goals fail to materialize because the latter undermines the former.
Many people feel awkward telling nice people that they cannot pet their dog or feed them cookies. Yet, that really is what needs to happen, even if these people seem disappointed.
Focus on training leash skills. Build a strong history where you pay for what you actually like. As things get better, reintroduce temptations. Practice around distractions, always making sure that the best option is you.
Eventually, the final goal will be to reintroduce special people. Make the visits contingent on good behaviour. For example, you can tell the dog to go visit while they are walking politely. Ask people to only pet your dog when you have given permission.
Most importantly, don’t let strangers use one of the most powerful incentives. So long as other people are doling out treats, the dog will pull toward people. Instead, suggest that they pet your dog. You pay the dog with food for walking with you politely.
Our puppy has been doing well without a crate. He doesn’t chew or mess in the house. He sleeps on the bed with us at night. Trainers keep telling us to crate train him. Is it really necessary to put a dog in a cage if he is doing well?
Dog trainer wisdom often comes from having seen preventable problems with other previous clients. Experience means that we see various scenarios in a different light.
While it is fantastic that a young puppy is adjusting so well, trainers know all too well that people’s lives change over the lifetime of a dog. Changes in work schedules, increased travel or loss of a sitter may mean that the dog will need to stay in a kennel.
It may become necessary that the dog travel in a crate due to a long distance move.
Sometimes, dogs become ill or injured. They need to stay at a veterinary clinic, in a kennel, to receive care. Others may be put on crate rest to allow injuries to heal. For serious injuries, this may last up to a month.
Training a dog to like a crate while the dog is sick or injured is the worst possible time to do so.
Rushed, pre-trip training is also not easy. It can be too little, too late.
No matter how perfect a puppy may be, it’s wise to crate train. You never know what life may throw at a dog.
Do it when you have time to do it well.