Over the past month, I have found it is important to help clients learn HOW to set boundaries and help their dog(s) learn how to cope (Basically teaching them resilience).
I’m seeing a lot of dogs that are pushy for attention, toys or treats, can’t settle or relax and struggle to remain calm around other dogs.
The only way dogs learn how to do this successfully is with accountability and repetition. Let me repeat that – repetition. And again, repetition.
But that means that you have to put in the work. Take them out into the world and sit in parking lots, sit in your car, sit in class and actually practice what we teach each week (preferably each day).
If you don’t practice, you will not get the results you are looking for and then you become frustrated, impatient and angry. Those feelings will not help your dog succeed.
The more learning how to relax becomes second nature to your dog, the easier it will be and the more focused they will become on you.
Dogs thrive with consistency, calm leadership structure, rules and accountability.
I am seeing a lot of owners uncomfortable with holding their dogs accountable, but you have to do it every day and every time your dog makes a mistake. It is a process, and you have to TRUST THE PROCESS.
I often get asked how I can be so patient with dogs and the reality is I have learned over the years that if I don’t react and wait a dog out, they will respond much quicker to me. My body language speaks volumes to dogs, and it doesn’t always have to be negative. I love to wiggle, dance and have fun with all the dogs but I also can stop and ask them to chill, and they can follow that too.
Let’s work on helping our dogs learn how to relax over the next few months. Stay tuned for simple tips you can apply at home to help your dog.