Ensuring Dogs Know What’s Expected of Them

Here a few tips about setting boundaries for your canine friends.

For your dogs to know what is expected of them, you need to set boundaries. Dogs want to have a job, to know what to do; that’s something that they’ve all been bred to do in one way or another. When you set proper boundaries for them, you’re just giving them the tools to be successful.

"Setting boundaries is a way to make life in your home safer and more harmonious for your furry friend."

Setting good boundaries for your dog includes things like training them to behave when entering and exiting the house, car, or when going out into the street—things that both keep them safe and control their level of excitement. Crate training helps here, too. If a dog leaves the house excited, chances are your walk is going to be 10 times harder. 

When you’re getting ready for a walk, car trip, or even to just go outside, start with your dog in the crate and then close the door while you get their leash, etc., ready. Then ask them to come out so they have to wait to prepare for their walk. When you get to the door, have the dog sit, and be sure to make eye contact before saying, “Let’s go.”

You should also set boundaries for your personal space; you don’t want a dog to constantly come over to you to beg for affection, which can eventually translate into separation anxiety. Train your dog to be comfortable sitting in the corner, and to only come to you when you invite them. This also applies to cars and houses; you don’t want the dog to jump out of the car and into the street or run out the door to attack another dog or person.

When dogs don’t know what is expected of them, they tend to get very anxious because they’re not being stimulated enough. Setting boundaries is a way to make life in your home safer and more harmonious for your furry friend.

If you have any questions about setting boundaries with dogs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at The Zoomies Dog Walking. We’d love to help you.