Entitlements vs. Privileges

 I constantly tell my clients their canine is not “entitled” to live with them. Instead, he is “privileged” to receive their food, companionship, living space, playtime, walks etc. A child with an “entitlement” mentality expects things to be given to him without having to work for them. When we give our kids things for free- cars, allowances etc., they can easily become spoiled! The same thing holds for our canine companions. Effective dog owners demand their four-footed friends earn their privileges i.e. receiving resources such as access to walks, food, space, playtime, greeting people/dogs by offering calm behavior in exchange for those resources. This is a training technique we call “nothing in life is free” or the “no free lunch” policy. It’s a way of living with your dog that motivates him to choose a calm behavior to earn privileges since it is more rewarding than any alternative behavior. Canine Command can help you implement this training using positive reinforcement to quickly have your dog focusing on you, responding to your commands and always acting in a calm manner!