06/21/2025
Expectations and Boundaries…..They aren’t just for the dog. When we train a dog we are teaching them expectations and boundaries. However, there are some other things we often neglect to talk about and/or teach when it comes to this subject, and I’m not speaking about the dog.
When we bring a new puppy or dog home, we begin the very first day teaching them what is acceptable and what the expectations are. Many times though, we don’t discuss what the expectations and boundaries are when it comes to the human members of the family. A conversation needs to be had amongst the family, preferably before the dog comes to the home; but at a bare minimum the day the dog is brought into the home. This needs to be the time that boundaries and expectations are set for the family. It is of upmost importance that all members of the household are on the “same sheet of music” where this is concerned. Failing to set expectations and boundaries for members of the household could very well be the beginning to a stress/anexity ridden relationship between your family and your dog.
Expectations don’t have to be huge, it starts with simple things; like making sure smaller kids know and understand not to lay all over the dog, or sit on it’s back. Making sure they know and understand not to pull the dog’s tail.
One other simple example would be that Mom doesn’t want the dog on the furniture. Mom sees the dog on the furniture the first day he’s in the home, corrects him and begins building the expectation that he’s not to be on the furniture. Overtime she corrects him over and over again she does not understand why things are not clicking with yhe dog snd becomes frustrated with him. However, every time Mom walks through the living room someone has the dog on the couch. In this situation, Mom’s attempt to set the expectation for the dog that he is not to be on the furniture is futile. Confusion is created for the dog and communication as far as what he is to do has been made extremely unclear.
When you are planning to bring a dog or puppy home have the discussion with your family. Making sure everyone understands the expectations and boundaries that will be set for the dog will make life easier and more enjoyable for both dog and family.
