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We've all had that moment with our dogs. We know they know what we want them to do, and yet they have a mind of their own.
If you've ever found yourself telling your dog to do something over and over again and they ignored you, you aren't alone. Sooner or later, it happens to us all. It's part of a dog's need to test boundaries and learn what they can and can't get away with.
Perhaps you told Fido to get off the couch or the bed repeatedly, and nothing.
Maybe they continue to bark after you demand it stops. Still, they continue as if their sole existence is to torture you (lol).
There is potentially a long list of things your dog does on his terms, regardless of what you say or do. At times, it can seem hopeless as you repeat yourself like a broken record.
So, how do you correct this problem?
Let's consider a dog who won't get off the bed and assume there aren't any problems with respect or trust, and aggression of any kind is highly unlikely.
In this case, I verbally tell the dog to "Get off" the bed and point toward the floor. If he doesn't obey, you must correct the dog again or risk losing your position as the leader. So, you repeat the process two more times until the dog gets off the bed.
If they refuse to listen and obey, it's time to escalate to physical correction. Let me be clear. I'm not talking about hitting, scolding, or doing anything harmful to the dog. I'm simply going to touch the dog on the neck and tell him to get off the bed again. If they don't move, I will pick them up and remove them from the bed.
Remember, this must be an overwhelmingly positive experience. At any point in the process, when the dog gets off on his own, the second his paws hit the floor, praise him physically with a pet and verbally.
Now, if you have a dog that might exhibit aggression. Instead of touching the neck or personally removing them from the bed, put on the leash and guide them off the bed. Praise only verbally when the paws hit the floor. That would be the only difference.
Why is this important?
You are teaching your four-legged bundle of love that you are the leader. They should do something immediately and without hesitation when you say to do something. A positive experience reinforces trust and respect.
Talk soon,
Alan Carr
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