These Are the Boundaries That Every Dog Owner Should Teach
As someone who is an intelligent and quirky herding dog, I had to learn some hard lessons about the importance of boundaries. If, for example, my puppy is not given a job, he will find it himself. And if someone (especially an outsider) violates his personal space, he becomes irritable. We had to create a large structure to keep him out of trouble, both at home and in the world.
Dogs need boundaries. Borders provide them with security and help them feel secure. Teresa Foster, co-owner and trainer of Wasatch K9 Fitness and Training in Utah, says that dogs without structure are easily confused in the right role, which can lead to behavioral problems and a lot of frustration for both dogs and their people.
Humans also need to be aware of and respect certain boundaries – both with their own dogs and with other people’s dogs – as dogs cannot communicate verbally, which causes them anxiety or discomfort.
Foster says the boundaries – what is acceptable and what is not – will be unique to each person and their dog. In addition, each coach has a different approach to building and maintaining these boundaries. But there are a few basic boundaries that are useful for most dogs – and owners -.
Boundaries for training your dog
First, help your dog understand personal space – theirs and yours. Russell Hartstein, Certified Behaviorist and Trainer and Founder of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, recommends giving your dog a safe place in your home where you can send him on breaks – for example, when he is stalking you too often. …
Foster says it’s part of teaching dogs to rest in the home and drawing the line between work (or play) and rest. This is especially important for active sporting and service dogs. You can teach your dog special commands to indicate when it is time to play, or send him to “place.”
Give your dog a place to eat – do not feed from the table. This can minimize begging.
Teach your dog not to rush or bark at other dogs or people when you walk. Foster says this behavior is often the result of a lack of leadership and good leash demeanor. Giving your dog clear instructions for walking and building confidence can help solve this problem.
Finally, Hartstein says, you should expect your dog to contact you and ask what he wants. For example, if they want to jump onto the bed, they should sit next to you and look you in the eye, not just jump.
Boundaries to be respected with your dog
Your relationship with your dog is not one-sided. If they are expected to respect your boundaries, you must respect them as well. Once you’ve set up their personal space – bed, drawer, or mat – don’t invade it. Don’t let children disturb your dog, especially when they are in a safe place.
Hartstein cautions against taking your dog to places that can be overstimulating and intimidating, such as fireworks shows, noisy parties, and skate parks. Know what is stressing your dog and don’t push them outside that comfort zone.
Finally, don’t force your dog to participate in activities that he doesn’t like or like. Not every dog is designed to be a service animal, agility champion or dock diver.
The limits of respect for other people’s dogs
This should not be talked about, but please never go up to an unfamiliar dog or pet it without asking. Just as most people would not want to be touched by random people, dogs cannot be expected either. Plus, not all dogs are friends with strangers – and that’s okay.
If you want to pet or interact with your dog, always ask first and accept no. If you do get permission, do not pet the dog immediately on the head or hit it in the face. Ask the owner how the dog prefers to be stroked, and if his body language suggests he is not being touched, back off.
Likewise, don’t let your dog get close to another dog without asking her. Just because your dog is “friendly” does not mean that other dogs will be the same. This can be especially problematic if your dog is off-leash and runs up to the dog on a leash. If allowed to happen, it could cancel training or “rush for both dogs and owners — it becomes very dangerous,” says Foster.
You should also avoid feeding someone else’s dog, giving unwanted training advice, or teaching him new commands or tricks. You don’t know what kind of training the dog is working on, and even good intentions can make the owner feel bad or slow down the dog’s progress.
How to protect your dog’s boundaries
“As an owner, you have to protect your dog,” says Foster. Don’t be afraid to stand in front of your dog if a stranger approaches. You might say that your dog is not friendly or that you are focusing on training. And you can (and should) get out of the situation if it is dangerous for your dog.
“It’s tricky and rude, but we have to learn to protect our dogs and set them up for success every time we take them out,” she says.