Cooperation

Anyone who is married or has children knows that when your relationship is smooth sailing it probably means that you understand each other, and that you can cooperate with each other to get tasks done. When cooperation doesn't happen your day to day interactions may seem frustrating and certainly become more difficult to manage.

Living with a puppy or adolescent dog can be easier if you and your puppy cooperate. What does he like? Use his favorite things to gain cooperation when you need it!

Does he like to go outside? Reinforce sitting by not opening the door until he does! Won't cooperate? Simply say "too bad" and walk away. Does he like to eat? Use his meals as training treats by asking to earn every kibble! Does he like to go for walks? Make him earn it by sitting quietly for the leash to be put on. Won't cooperate? Again "too bad", put the leash down.

Your dog doesn't know what your rules are unless you help him learn through cooperation. Cooperation means that you understand what he wants and reward him with these things for good behavior, not punish him for what you don't like. He will cooperate with you if you can communicate that his needs will also be met by doing what you want.

Puppies that are continually punished for their behavior have no reason to cooperate. Why should he come to you if he isn't praised, rewarded, and allowed to have some fun in return? If jumping up on you produces attention, you yell at him and push him away, is he going to sit politely for you to pet him? Not unless you cooperate and help him learn to sit first, then reward him with petting.

Cooperation means a relationship built on trust and respect instead of pain, force, or dominance. Most if us don't describe our relationship with our spouse or kids using those terms. Why is it considered acceptable when we talk about our dog using those terms?

Do we use prong collars, shock collars, or physical force when our children make a mistake? As absurd as that sounds they are mainstream in dog training. Your child runs out into the street. Do you install an electric fence so he gets zapped the next time? No, you manage him so it doesn't happen again and TEACH him to stay in the yard. If he cooperates he can play outside. Why then do we not teach the dog the same way?

I know we all have busy lives. But is your life too busy to simply take a few moments every day and work on a few simple tasks? Encourage cooperation through consistent behavior. Reward your dog with what he wants. In the long run you will both be happier. And his behavior will be more consistent.