Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximo  
My dogs eat first (they have dinner at 4 pm) and when it is time for me to eat, they go to their beds under the table.
I have been naughty and started giving them a little safe stuff off of my plate. Still, they know it is my food. They beg by performing sits, but when I say "that's all", they go back to their beds.
I have found positive reinforcement training so much more successful. I do use corrections (not angry), and the "ignore and leave the room" on occasion. Still, the positive stuff has so much more impact. I even use silly corrections that involve teasing or the side eye. |
Exactly! I'm the first to admit, Jackson is a begger. But it's because it's something I've always allowed. He gets little healthy bits off my plate, and I enjoy sharing with him. If I wanted to alter that behavior, I could. He also jumps on/off the furniture whenever he pleases and sleeps in my bed. He must be dominant right? NO RESPECT I TELL YA!! lol...
He is not perfect. But he is very respectful, he's polite in public, he is very smart, he is well trained and knows well over 100 commands, he has never been aggressive, the list goes on and on. He's really a good canine citizen. Never had to show 'dominance' towards him. It just came from a mutual respect & understanding, and a strong bond.
Of course I'll tell him "no" and of course I've gotten frustrated and yelled at him occasionally. I'm human. But I just think ppl need to worry less about 'being a pack leader' and 'being dominant' and just... have fun with your dog! They don't live very long, enjoy them while you have them, and make them tolerable enough to live with
