Common Questions and Answers

1.  Is it alright for dogs to sleep with you and be on furniture?

This is a matter of owner preference.  As long as the dog isn’t resource guarding their resting spot I see no problem in allowing a dog to be on the bed or furniture.

2.  If my dog eliminates in the house should I rub their nose in it and scold them?

Never do this.  It’s quite likely such methods will lead to your dog becoming fearful of eliminating in your presence and go in a corner somewhere when you’re not around.  A much better approach is to reward your dog for eliminating where you want them to and manage their environment to avoid mistakes.

3.  Is it necessary to walk through doorways first, eat before your dog, or never allow them to walk in front of you?

Despite what you may have heard dogs don’t have an inward desire to rule the world or your household.  There’s no need to dominate or intimidate your dog.  In fact that can be detrimental to your relationship.  A healthy relationship is built on trust and kindness.  You’re dog won’t come to the conclusion they’re the pack leader if you allow them to eat first, walk through doorways first, or be ahead of you on a walk.  However, there are good reasons to have them wait at doorways and not pull you on a walk that have nothing to do with dominance.

4.  If I give my dog people food will that cause him/her to beg at the table?

No.  Teach them to go to their mat or bed while you eat your meals.  Being close to the dinner table is a temptation far too great for many dogs.  Feel free to give them people food, as long as it’s healthy for them.

5.   Is it ok to play tug with my dog?

Absolutely as long as there are certain boundaries and resource guarding is not an issue.   It’s not ok for a dog to put their teeth on your skin during tug, and they should be taught to drop the toy when the game is done.

6.   If my dog growls should I correct them?

Growling is an important form of communication and a needed warning.  If you discourage it, you may live to regret it.  For instance a dog may learn to skip the growl as a warning to back off and go straight to a bite.   With that said it may be necessary to address the emotion driving the behavior through counter-conditioning.  Seek a force-free trainer for help on how to do this.

7.   If I use treats for training will my dog learn to only respond to me when a treat is given?

Giving food to your dog for a behavior you want to see repeated is a powerful motivation and helpful in the learning process.  If you think about it we’re often motivated by rewards too!  Would you feel better if your boss gave you a pat on the back after a job well done, or a $10,000 bonus?  You probably didn’t have to think long and hard about that.  Similarly using what your dog loves in the training process serves as a powerful incentive and motivation.  Eventually the food should be given intermittently instead of every time, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s not a necessary tool for the food motivated dog.