The direction we should be going in with our fur pups is confidence and follow through, for example let’s say “fluffy” doesn’t not want to get into their crate tonight, they want to play and run around the house. The decision to follow through and go to bed in the crate is not always easy for either party because of course we want to engage and play and bond with our dog But this “bonding” and engaging in the play in that moment is what will causes the “fault”. Also within that let’s say we didn’t get “fluffy” into their crate that night and we just left “fluffy” to decide where they wanted to sleep. The next time we go to do that same thing, you will then be greeted with even more pushback because last time “fluffy” got to choose and make that decision.
So as owners, here is what we should be inclining to do. Self work and discipline with ourselves is the turn around we need with our dogs. Dogs are amazing animals, they are smart and very capable. Their feelings are a lot less delicate than ours. So when we move forward into the next time resistance is given we are aware of the tools we can use to find a happy medium of cooperation, and assertiveness, to get through the pushback.
The last thing we need to focus on is leadership. We hold a lot of accountability with how our dogs behave in different situations and environments. Although all dogs are different, training them to a state of peace and stability has not changed. Weather you have a dog that won’t sit versus a dog that resource guard’s creating rules and parameters within the home and no backing down will not allow these behaviors to continue.
Dogs rely on us to show them what to do and what not to do, so if we are letting our timid dog run through the house all it is for them is stress. Dogs like having rules and being able to make decisions. This is why it is our responsibility to create comfort, safety, and security so that they can live a happy and healthy life.
