Adult Dog Training: The Art of Off Limits
Your new couch, your favorite recliner, your freshly washed duvet or perhaps your blooming flower garden. These are all things that many people hold dear in their hearts. Unfortunately, so do many dogs, and each one has the potential to become ground zero in the turf war between you and your canine companion. But fear not - there are adult dog training techniques to keep your dog down without kicking him out.
Don't Go There
When it comes to keeping your dog out of the places he shouldn't be, the first rule is unbendable - be consistent. From your bed to the flower bed, if your dog is not allowed there some of the time, he shouldn't be allowed there any of the time. Making even occasional exceptions will only confuse a dog, and can actually hurt his confidence.
Like children, dogs need to know their boundaries. Most dogs don't mind being banned from something as long as it's enforced consistently. The worst thing you can do is see your dog do something cute and decide you want him to cuddle with you on the couch for a few minutes, only to discipline him the next time you walk in the room and find him there.
Make a Better Offer
Now, you can't blame your dog for wanting to nap with you on your favorite chair. After all - it's probably your favorite because it's so darn comfortable. So if you want to keep your dog and all the fur off your comfy furniture, you should make sure your dog has a cozy place of his own.
Whether it's an oversized pillow, a soft blanket or a specialized doggy bed, make sure your dog has his own haven to "chill" on. During the hot summer months, many dogs enjoy napping on a nice cool tile floor, but there will be times that a nice soft bed to relax on will help keep him off your furniture. So what do you do when you're not there to keep a watchful eye on your furry friend?
The Run of the House
Now, let's say you've given your dog a bed that he can call his own, and this does the trick when you're at home. But what about when you're away? It's very common for dogs to take advantage of this situation. Many people who are away at work don't want to keep their dog kenneled for many hours at a time. And there are plenty of pooches that take full advantage of the furniture and more when they're left alone.
One possibility is an electrostatic mat to place on a couch or chair that provides a safe but uncomfortable shock to the dog when climbed on. But if you're not willing to go to those lengths, which can be costly and not always effective, it may be time for some good old conditioning training. While it can take a good deal of time and effort, it may be well worth it.
Training Day
Adult dog training is intense, so choose a day that you have a good amount of free time to begin the training. Pretend you have left the house, and stay away for several minutes. Once your dog thinks you're gone and "violates the restricted area," walk in and give a firm "No" or "Get Down." Direct your dog to his bed, and praise him for going to it. Repeat this as many times as necessary. Eventually, most dogs will get the hint. Again, consistency is the key. This training may have to be repeated periodically over several weeks or even months. It's worthwhile though to walk in your house after a long day and not have to clean up a newly formed collection of dog hair off your couch.
Applicable to All
If you've got a dog that loves digging in your azaleas or trampling your tomatoes, the same rules apply. Be firm and consistent each time you're outside with your dog, and give him a firm "NO" if he attempts a journey into the forbidden area. Praise him when he avoids the area. Your dog wants your praise and approval - it's your ultimate tool to teach your dog where to go, and where to stay away from.
Your new couch, your favorite recliner, your freshly washed duvet or perhaps your blooming flower garden. These are all things that many people hold dear in their hearts. Unfortunately, so do many dogs, and each one has the potential to become ground zero in the turf war between you and your canine companion. But fear not - there are adult dog training techniques to keep your dog down without kicking him out.
Don't Go There
When it comes to keeping your dog out of the places he shouldn't be, the first rule is unbendable - be consistent. From your bed to the flower bed, if your dog is not allowed there some of the time, he shouldn't be allowed there any of the time. Making even occasional exceptions will only confuse a dog, and can actually hurt his confidence.
Like children, dogs need to know their boundaries. Most dogs don't mind being banned from something as long as it's enforced consistently. The worst thing you can do is see your dog do something cute and decide you want him to cuddle with you on the couch for a few minutes, only to discipline him the next time you walk in the room and find him there.
Make a Better Offer
Now, you can't blame your dog for wanting to nap with you on your favorite chair. After all - it's probably your favorite because it's so darn comfortable. So if you want to keep your dog and all the fur off your comfy furniture, you should make sure your dog has a cozy place of his own.
Whether it's an oversized pillow, a soft blanket or a specialized doggy bed, make sure your dog has his own haven to "chill" on. During the hot summer months, many dogs enjoy napping on a nice cool tile floor, but there will be times that a nice soft bed to relax on will help keep him off your furniture. So what do you do when you're not there to keep a watchful eye on your furry friend?
The Run of the House
Now, let's say you've given your dog a bed that he can call his own, and this does the trick when you're at home. But what about when you're away? It's very common for dogs to take advantage of this situation. Many people who are away at work don't want to keep their dog kenneled for many hours at a time. And there are plenty of pooches that take full advantage of the furniture and more when they're left alone.
One possibility is an electrostatic mat to place on a couch or chair that provides a safe but uncomfortable shock to the dog when climbed on. But if you're not willing to go to those lengths, which can be costly and not always effective, it may be time for some good old conditioning training. While it can take a good deal of time and effort, it may be well worth it.
Training Day
Adult dog training is intense, so choose a day that you have a good amount of free time to begin the training. Pretend you have left the house, and stay away for several minutes. Once your dog thinks you're gone and "violates the restricted area," walk in and give a firm "No" or "Get Down." Direct your dog to his bed, and praise him for going to it. Repeat this as many times as necessary. Eventually, most dogs will get the hint. Again, consistency is the key. This training may have to be repeated periodically over several weeks or even months. It's worthwhile though to walk in your house after a long day and not have to clean up a newly formed collection of dog hair off your couch.
Applicable to All
If you've got a dog that loves digging in your azaleas or trampling your tomatoes, the same rules apply. Be firm and consistent each time you're outside with your dog, and give him a firm "NO" if he attempts a journey into the forbidden area. Praise him when he avoids the area. Your dog wants your praise and approval - it's your ultimate tool to teach your dog where to go, and where to stay away from.
