Creating and Enforcing Rules for a Well Trained Dog and a Harmonious Home

Picture a Traffic Signal……

In any given situation, the following rules for behavior can be used with success. Decide what you want (green behaviors) from your dog and what you do not (red behaviors) want. Then think about the in between (yellow behaviors). Give your dog feedback throughout the day to teach him what to do and how you feel about his choices of behavior. You should be able to praise or call away about 90-99% of all behaviors!

Green Light: A green light means go or continue.

Behaviors in this category are positive! Decide what behavior is desired from your dog. Be specific! When you see your dog doing the desired behavior, praise him, pet him or give him a treat. This teaches the dog what you want and makes him think about working for you.

Example: Your dog is greeting a new person and keeps his nose on the knees and below. He sniffs and is calm. Praise and reward him.

Yellow Light: A yellow light is in between green and red. This one is very variable.

Behaviors in this category are neither positive nor negative. These behaviors can be anything from annoying, bothersome, concerning, neutral, etc. These behaviors can be ignored, managed, interrupted or redirected. Good choices and timing on your part will encourage your dog to do more of the desired behaviors and prevent him from the undesired. This is where your training may be needed most. Having lots of cues trained can help; go to crate, lay down, sit and wait, or come when called help you manage a dog easily. You may choose to body block your dog or invite him to engage in a different activity. If you KNOW your dog will make a bad choice, use a leash or crate to prevent him from choosing.

Example: Your dog is greeting a guest and his face is in the person’s lap or he growls. Call him to you or step in between him and your guest.

Red Light: A red light means stop immediately.

Behaviors in this category are urgent or dangerous and negative. Determine what behaviors are not allowed. This list should be very short. Common behaviors are aggression of any kind and not responding to a trained cue. This is not handled with anger or in a reactive state and does not include yelling, grabbing or hitting a dog. Apply discipline to eliminate dangerous and unwanted behaviors and to increase listening to cues. Read my discipline information for the proper technique!

Example: Your dog is greeting a person, and all is well for a bit, then he spooks and is barking and lunging. Apply discipline immediately.