How Long Do I Practice These Rules?

Just like with a child, if you relax rules, the child will find an opportunity to “test the waters,” and dogs are no different. Dan Abdelnoor, aka Doggy Dan, wrote a book entitled, “What the Dogs Taught Me About Being a Parent.” This book is pivotal because it outlines the similarities between the behaviors of dogs and children, and how training both are similar as well. The truth is, once you begin training with an animal, it must be continued throughout their entire life. If the rules are relaxed, the dog will start believing that no one is in charge and will need to assume the responsibility. That is not what you as a dog owner wants to happen. Once the dog assumes that role as the Alpha, everything will change, and behaviors will follow.