Nothing in Life
Is Free
Does your dog
get on the furniture and refuse to get off? Nudge your hand and insist on being
petted or played with? Refuse to come when called? Defend his food bowl or toys
from you?
If so, a
training technique called "Nothing In Life Is Free" may be just the
solution you're looking for. "Nothing In Life Is Free" is not a magic
pill that will solve a specific behavior problem. Instead, it's a way of living
with your dog that will help him behave better because he trusts and accepts you
as his leader and is confident knowing his place in the family.
How to Practice
"Nothing In Life Is Free"
- Use
positive reinforcement methods to teach your dog a few commands and/or
tricks. "Sit," "Down," and "Stay" are
useful commands. "Shake," "Speak," and "Roll
over" are fun tricks to teach your dog.
- Once
your dog has mastered a few commands, you can begin to practice
"Nothing In Life Is Free." Before you give your dog anything
(food, a treat, a walk, a pat on the head) he must first perform one of the
commands he has learned. For example:
|
YOU:
|
YOUR DOG:
|
|
Put your
dog's leash on to go for a walk
|
Must sit
until you've put the leash on
|
|
Feed your
dog
|
Must lie
down and stay until you've put the bowl down
|
|
Play a game
of fetch after work
|
Must sit
and "shake hands" each time you throw the toy
|
|
Rub your
dog's belly while watching TV
|
Must lie
down and roll over before being petted
|
- Once
you've given the command, don't give your dog what he wants until he does
what you want. If he refuses to perform the command, walk away, come back
a few minutes later, and start again. If your dog refuses to obey the
command, be patient and remember that eventually he will have to obey
your command to get what he wants.
- Make
sure your dog knows the command well and understands what you want before
you begin practicing "Nothing In Life Is Free."
The Benefits of
this Technique
- Most
dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs
will challenge their owners for dominance. Requiring a dominant dog to
work for everything he wants is a safe, non-confrontational way to
establish control.
- Dogs
who may never display aggressive behavior such as growling, snarling, or
snapping may still manage to manipulate you. These dogs may display
affectionate behavior that borders on being "pushy," such as
nudging your hand to be petted or "worming" their way onto the
furniture to be close to you. This technique gently reminds the dog that
he must abide by your rules.
- Fearful
dogs may become more confident by obeying commands. Having a strong
leader and knowing his place in the hierarchy helps to make the
submissive dog feel more secure.
Why This
Technique Works
- Animals
who live in groups, like dogs, establish a social structure within the
group called a dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy serves to
maintain order, reduce conflict, and promote cooperation among pack
members. To ensure that your home is a safe and happy place for pets and
people, it's best that the humans in the household assume the highest
positions in the dominance hierarchy. Practicing "Nothing in Life Is Free" gently and effectively communicates to your dog that his position in the hierarchy is subordinate to yours.
- From
your dog's point of view, children also have a place in this hierarchy.
Because children are small and can get down on the dog's level to play,
dogs often consider them to be playmates rather than superiors. With the
supervision of an adult, it's a good idea to encourage children in the
household who are eight years or older to also practice "Nothing In
Life Is Free" with the family dog.
Copyright © 2004 The
Humane Society of the United States.
