Give Yourself a Break (Set Yourself up for Success!)

We know, we know. We preach about management all the time (so much that we even wrote an entire blog post exclusively about management.) But this year, really take a look at the areas where you feel like you and your dog are getting stuck or frequently running into problems and consider folding in some new management strategies. Sometimes we accept our dog’s less than perfect habits (and sometimes that’s fine!), but we don’t have to settle for something just because it’s been happening for a while. 

Perhaps most importantly, if you are not actively working on a training plan or incorporating some kind of management, it would be ludicrous to expect the behavior to change! Even if you don’t have a ton of time to train, including something as simple as a baby gate could save you a world of headache. Barriers, leashes, ambient sounds, window film, muzzles, and puzzles are just a few of many creative management solutions at your disposal! Check out the list below for some inspiration:

Problem: Dog barks at windows.

Management: Install window cling panels, move furniture to remove “perches” for barking, install baby gates to keep dog out of that part of the house, play ambient music

Problem: Dog door dashes.

Management: Have dog crated during human arrivals/departures, install baby gates in front of and behind doors to to block access to outside, keep dog on leash when door is open

Problem: Dogs steal each others’ food/treats.

Management: feed dogs meals or bones in their own crates, in separate rooms, or individually with training sessions 

Problem: Dog barks in the backyard.

Management: block access to the yard when dog is alone, hide treats/chews around yard, build a digging pit, spray interesting novel scents around yard, install a dog tetherball toy

Problem: Dog pulls on leash.

Management: use a front-clip harness, opt for off-leash exercise, use a long line

Problem: Dog begs while the family eats dinner.

Management: feed your dog their dinner out of a puzzle toy while you eat your dinner

Problem: Dog barks at the sound of the mail flap slamming shut.

Management: attach foam weatherstripping to the edges, plug in an ambient noise machine by the mail flap

Problem: Dog goes digging in the cat’s litterbox.

Management: switch to a covered dog-proof litterbox, place the litterbox somewhere cats can jump to but dogs cannot

Problem: Dog climbs into the front seat while you drive.

Management: install some doggie seatbelts, car barrier, or a backseat dog hammock

Let’s not put the onus on our dogs for problems, though! Sometimes it’s the people who need the management more than our animals do. Even with a comprehensive training plan, it’s not fair to our dogs to be set up to fail because of the behavior of humans in their environment. Here are some examples of how we can use management to deal with unwanted human behavior:

Problem: Guests disregard your rules and pet your dog when jumping.

Management: have dogs behind a baby gate or on leash when guests arrive, place a note on the door with reminders of your rules, have a tin of treats at the front door for guests to drop on the floor

Problem: Strangers are approaching my nervous/reactive/working dog without permission.

Management: place highly visible signage on your dog’s leash, collar, and harness (ex: “GIVE ME SPACE,” “DO NOT APPROACH,” “WORKING DO NOT DISTRACT”, etc.)

Problem: Stranger’s off-leash dogs are rushing my on-leash dogs.

Management: carry citronella spray (Spray Shield or Halt), find enclosed off-leash areas on Sniffspot to walk, have your dogs wear a muzzle

Problem: People are leaving dangerous things on the ground for my dog to step on/eat.

Management: drive to a hiking trail instead of walking the neighborhood, use a muzzle on walks, use protective booties on walks

Do you need help coming up with a practical management plan? Shoot us an email or DM us on Instagram! As trainers, we love coming up with creative solutions!