Freedom - Too Much, Too Soon?

Freedom. Something we all want to be able to give our dogs, whether it be at home or out and about.


A lot of people dream of having a dog that can wander with them down the beach, free as a bird (or to chase the birds), idealistic as the sun sets over the ocean. Or being able to leave them at home, where your dog can choose the best sunny bedroom to laze in until the joyous reunion of you coming back.


But there comes a downfall of rushing these scenarios. To get this kind of outcome takes a lot more than just opening all the doors and hoping for the best. We all know in our heart of hearts that our dogs are likely to make poor decisions if the circumstances allow… So how can we still give our dog freedom but ensure their safety?


The first answer is simple.


MANAGEMENT


Before any training is implemented and solid, management is the best friend for your best friend. We’re talking about minimum access at the beginning, until boundaries and expectations are fully understood.

Types of Management

• Baby gates or crates - reduce the area of the home your dog can be in if you’re not sure they can relax without ripping up your shoes.
• Long lines - If you haven’t built up your recall or made yourself the most amazing thing in your dog’s life without playing and having a reward history when they do something correct, that dog or bird or NEW person across the park is the BEST thing, and your dog’s recall won’t exist.
• Supervision - When you are actively supervising your dog, you can educate and heavily reward the appropriate behaviours you see.
  
  
  

If you allow your dog freedom before they have been properly educated, they will continue to self reward through behaviours you don't want, and they will never see another behaviour as being more rewarding.


Over time, your dog will start to realise that certain behaviours are really rewarding for them (the ones you have taught and reinforced a lot), while others are not (the self-rewarding behaviours you have prevented). Gradually, you can allow them more freedom, but you have to continue to reward them when they are doing the right thing, otherwise they will revert to their old self rewarding behaviours.


The second answer is slightly more time consuming, but still straightforward.


TRAINING


If you haven’t gone through the necessary steps of training the behaviour you want in your dogs, the situations you have in your brain are just not going to happen. If your dog has no reference to the word ‘Come!’ then saying it over and over will not suddenly mean they know to recall to you.


If your dog hasn’t practised and been rewarded for settling on their bed, especially when they are puppies, then the choice of staying still or leaving some teeth marks on the closest item of furniture is going to lead to some sad looking chair legs.

This kind of training takes a bit more time, but it's an investment. The more practise and effort you put in now will come to fruition when you can actually go somewhere new and have your dog make the decisions that fit your ideals.

The idea that your dog, before this, will have any concept of prioritising the boring, human choices over their doggie understanding of good freedom, without the training and to complement, the training wheels (management), is unfair and unrealistic. Set you and your dog up for success, and don’t expect too much too soon.

If you’re not sure about what management and training plans will set you and your dog up for the most success, or you think you need some guidance on what you’re already doing, get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We would love to facilitate the freedom, adventure and fun experiences you dream of having with your furry best friend.