Why Boundaries are important
As we bring a puppy or new dog into our home and lives we need to consider what we want our life to be like with our new addition. A puppy has specific needs that need to be met and is like bringing a new baby home whereas a dog that is fully matured (around 2 yrs) will have less needs that need to be met. Both ages of dogs are very receptive to training and this is a perfect time to start to plan for the training road ahead.
What do you want your puppy/dog to know about their new house?
There is no right or wrong way to lay out the game plan for your dog. Some people love to have their dog on the couch or bed, others do not and that is totally okay, you are able to show your dog the pathway you want them to take in a gentle but firm approach that gains you respect and grows your relationship.
Like any relationship you will have in your life you need to earn and gain trust and respect, it is no different with your dog and the best way to do this is by giving your dog CLEAR instructions to follow.
Before you decide to add a furry addition to your home it is best to all agree on the boundaries and rules that you want to maintain. This is going to make it very clear to everyone in the house how to interact with the puppy/dog and maintain a consistent pathway to guide them into a harmonious life with you.
I love that we all get to personalize this pathway to suit our own needs and wants but don’t forget that our dogs may not want the same things that we do so try to read and respect their body language and choices.
One way to be able to create a calm, happy, relaxed dog is to teach them how to maintain on a bed or boundary. This is such a valuable behaviour to have and can easily be taken out into the '“real world” and used when hiking, at the beach, picnics, park dates, sport events, ect.
To be able to teach a boundary you need to grow the value in the place that you are wanting to contain your dog to, this is going to make them want to go to this spot without any cue at all (you can definitely add a cue later though).
I always tell my students “ If I put you in an empty room you would be bored in a second and want to leave, but if I gave you a tv, couch and mini fridge you would be happy to relax in that room”. Well why would it be any different for our dogs? They are always actively seeking things that make them happy (hence why they are always happy!) - note taken.
To begin your journey on growing boundaries with your dog you need to think about a few things:
where in the house do you want your dog to have access
how do you want to be able to progress as they get older ie: to be “free” in the house, crate trained, ect
do you want to be able to take your dog most places (that allow dogs)
are you a weekend warrior that loves to take adventures every weekend and wants your dog to come along
are you content to stay close to home and visit local dog friendly places
are you wanting to train a service dog for yourself
happy, calm and confident pet dog
a water confident dog that will boat, sup or kayak with you
The possibilities are endless and having a clear idea of what you want and how to guide your puppy/dog to get there is an important step. I can help you set up a plan for training, management and coaching through all stages of your dogs development to be able to get you to the place you want to be with your dog.
Training is a lifestyle not a season, there is always something to learn .
Gamefy your life!
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