Nothing in Life is Free

If you have a dog that likes to push you around or won’t listen, this training technique will be very helpful.  Training isn’t just a one time thing, it is a lifestyle that will help you become the leader and help your dog behave better because he will know his place in the family.

How to Practice "Nothing in Life is Free"

First, use positive training techniques to teach your dog a few basic commands like 'sit', 'down', 'shake',  and 'stay'. Once your dog has learning these, you can easily implement idea that nothing in life is free.  Before you give your dog something, they have to perform one of these commands.  For example:

Your dog must be made to sit and stay until you have put down the food bowl before he can eat.

Your dog must lie down before being petted.

You dog must sit until you have put on the leash before going for a walk.

If the dog does not perform the command, he does not get the attention.  Make sure that your dog understands the command properly before you begin this technique.

The benefits

Most dogs assume a submissive role in their family, however some can be more of a challenge.  They also learn more from your actions and your body language than you think!  With adolescents and stubborn dogs, you can use this as a non confrontational method to gain leadership. 

Dogs who may never display aggressive behaviour such as growling, snarling, or snapping, may still manage to manipulate you. They may do this with affectionate behaviour that borders on pushy, such as nudging your hand to be petted or pushing their way onto furniture to be close to you. By making the dog sit before attention is given, you are gently reminding them that they must abide by your rules.

Rules such as these can also help fearful dogs gain confidence.  They feel more secure when they know that they have a strong leader and understand their place in the pack. 

Why does this technique work?

Dogs are social animals that function within a group hierarchical system.  This maintains order, reduces conflict and promotes cooperation among the pack members.  In order to have a safe and happy home for the pets, the humans must be the leaders of this pack.  Children are often seen as subordinates, or siblings to the dogs.  If a dog is pushy, they may start to correct children in the same way in which they would correct a dog; with their mouths.

With adult supervision, children can follow these rules and have the dog sit, avoid roughhousing and not allow the dog to be pushy.

Based upon the Humane Society of the United States "Pets for Life" Behaviour Series.