02/07/2020
A crucial aspect of managing dangerous or unwanted behavior is the ability to confine the dog during times of high risk.
When I am called in to work with a dog who has threatened or bitten visitors, one of the first things I suggest is crating or otherwise confining the dog during times that the owner cannot give the dog 100% of their attention, like appliance repair calls or kids' birthday parties.
Too often, these dogs are unable to be confined away from the owner without significant stress for all involved. Incessant barking, howling, and clawing at crates and doors makes life miserable for both dogs and humans. A recent visit had me very concerned that the dog was going to break down the sliding glass door trying to get inside!
And so, instead of starting the desensitization and counter-conditioning program right away, we have to devote part of our lessons to acclimating the dog to some form of confinement. Dog owners could save time and money by teaching their dog this one skill.
Even if your dog is great with visitors and perfectly behaved inside the house all day when you're at work, there are still plenty of reasons to teach this important life skill.
Your dog may need surgery that requires them to be quiet and still for large periods of time.
You may move to a new house and need a safe place for your dog while doors are open and boxes are being carried in/out.
Your perfectly friendly dog may take a strong disliking to a new friend, making it difficult to talk over all the barking.
You may start a new relationship with a partner who has another dog or even a cat, requiring a careful and gradual integration.
You may pick up a loose dog and need to keep your dog separated until you can find the owner or determine the dog is healthy and friendly.
Whatever the reason, you can't know what the future holds for you and your dog. It is better to do a little training now and never need it, than to add it to the list of things that need to be done during a house remodel or move.
How do you do it? Start out small. If your dog will safely respect a baby gate, you can put him on one side while you sit on the other, rewarding all good behavior. Start with 15 rewards, then release your dog while he is calm and quiet.
In future training sessions, you can build distance and duration. For example, give your dog a frozen Kong stuffed with canned dog food while he's behind the gate and you sit and relax within his sight. As long as he's focused on his Kong and not whining, clawing, or barking, he can stay there until the Kong is empty.
The Kong delivers a continuous stream of reinforcement for calm behavior and creates a more positive association to the confinement area.
Repeat this when you a) do the dishes, b) fold laundry, c) watch a tv show, d) sit with a friend or family member and eat dinner, etc. The idea being that your dog learns that there will be times he can't have full access to you or other areas of the house, but he will get good things in exchange.
I also recommend the ideas in the DVD Crate Games, by Susan Garrett, which teach dogs to LOVE getting into crates, but the same ideas could be used for baby gates, too.
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTA287
We all want our dogs to be with us as often as possible, but sometimes, temporary separation is necessary. Preparing them for that possibility makes your life easier, and reduces their stress, which is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.
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