How to implement boundaries with your dog

Recently I've seen discussion online about what boundaries we should have with our dogs. Some people have gone as far to say that you do not need any boundaries with your dog. This thinking is dangerous in more ways than one. In this blog I discuss what boundaries are, why they are important, and how to implement them with your dog.

What are boundaries?

Boundaries mean the same whether we're talking about them for our dogs or for other people. They are the expectations we have of our dogs that we expect to be respected. Boundaries can work both ways and our dogs may have their own boundaries, things they are and are not comfortable with.

Boundaries are not the same as a trained behaviour for which we have a command word. "Sit" is a command word we say to get our dogs to do something specific. A lot of boundaries cover what not to do and are silent expectations.

A boundary that we may implement for a dog may include:

• Appropriate behaviour in the home

• Appropriate behaviour out on walks

• Appropriate behaviour with us and other people

• Appropriate behaviour with other animals.

Some examples of boundaries:

• You are not allowed upstairs

• You are not allowed on the human bed

• You must not beg for human food

• You do not leave the house without permission (even if the door is open)

• You must not jump up at people

• You must not chase other animals.

Something that is important to remember when discussing boundaries is that we all have different ones. Some people do not want their dogs on the sofa and some people do. Neither one is intrinsically right or wrong, it is simply a preference that we can enforce as a boundary if we wish.

Why are boundaries important for dogs?

Dogs thrive when they know their place in the world, so when we implement boundaries for them we are giving them a blueprint to success in our human world. Boundaries improve our dogs behaviour by making what is expected of them crystal clear. This in turn builds trust between you and your dog.

Boundaries improve behaviour

How to implement boundaries with your dog

• Figure out what matters to you - what are the boundaries you want to set with your dog? What do you want them to do? What do you not want them to do?

• Be consistent - get the whole household on board with the boundaries and everyone commit to implementing the boundaries.

• Reward what you like - use positive reinforcement such as treats, physical affection, or play when your dog is respecting the boundary.

• Correct what you do not like - let your dog know that they are crossing a boundary and show them what they should be doing instead.

• Repeat - implement the boundaries into your daily life and keep practicing.

Summary

Boundaries are super important for both us and our dogs; they help us to live in harmony together, with neither taking advantage of the other. If your dog constantly disrespects your boundaries, then there are probably other problems you would like to solve in their behaviour. At Hollindale Working Dogs, we can help you implement boundaries to improve your dogs behaviour. Contact us for more information.