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We all function much easier when there exists rules and guidelines to adhere to. Whether through laws, taboos or social conventions we automatically understand how we should behave. Dogs are no different. Just as the back garden they dash around in is defined by a physical boundary, they should have similar mental barriers so they can behave in an acceptable and appropriate manner. Below we will investigate the importance of defining mental boundaries in obedience training dogs and exactly how we achieve doing it.

Lets start with a rather fitting analogy. If someone were to put a few fleas into a jar or container, they would, one at a time, jump out. If you put a top on the jar, the fleas would leap and keep hitting the top but after a time would start to associate hoping that high with a headache. You then could take off the lid and the fleas would never hop out of the jar. They will have imposed a boundary on themselves by repetition and, even after the real boundary had been got rid of, will still be conditioned by the mental limit.

In exactly the same way, you ought to create behaviour boundaries for your new puppy when it first comes to live with you. The vital thing in creating behaviour boundaries is is that you must be unvaveringly consistent. It would be inaffectice, for example if you were to allow your dog getting onto your chair after a bath when it is all clean and fluffy and then getting upset when it hops on when it has just been rolling in the mud. The dog does not differentiate between OK if clean and not OK if dirty. The sofa/bed/chair is allowed unless there is a behaviour barrier that has been consistently reinforced to say that it is not allowed. Also, if you allow the dog on the sofa in your place, you must not be shocked if it bounds onto other peoples’ sofas when in their houses.

Exactly the same applies with what may be allowed for a pup but not for the ***** dog. A wolfhound puppy curled up on your sofa next to you while you are watching TV may be warm and comforting for both of you. However, when dog is full grown and you have been moved the floor while he sits on the sofa watching television, things won’t be quite so warm and comfortable.

When first getting a dog it is imperative you decide upon and define the expected behaviour boundaries. Then you should reinforce these behaviour boundaries rigourously in a totally consistent manner so your dog can understand them. Soon, your dog, exactly like the fleas in the jar, will be happier without constantly creating a headache for both of you!

Reading this, you will have realised that it is vital to begin with your dog in the correct with regard to training. Mistakes made early in your relationship can be difficult to put right later. Get the best start for you and your dog, including advice on obedience training dogs at http://www.poochdogs.com

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