Dogs are like toddlers. Really fast, better-coordinated toddlers. With all the good judgement and experience of two-year olds. It’s one of the reasons they’re so much fun. And the reason not to let them steer your life.
Ruling the roost
We’re huge advocates of letting dogs make decisions. It’s the basis for our dog-training-game system, 2-Minute-Trainer.com. But we also realize that you don’t ask a two-year-old “What do you want to wear today?” Instead, you pick two outfits and offer a choice: “Which one?”
Dogs are the same. If you don’t impose limits, dogs will choose the naughty option almost every time. It’s not that they’re deliberately causing trouble. Like toddlers, they just don’t have the context or experience to avoid it.
Small and in charge
Especially first-time dog owners worry that their new family member won’t like them for imposing rules. The opposite is true. Dogs love rules. And, if no one else steps up to be “in charge,” the dog will take over. And then nobody will be happy.
Dogs are remarkably true to their origins and breeding. Most small dog breeds were developed as “ratters.” Their job was to rid their space of vermin. The little guys worked independently of people, knew what their job was, and did it. Anyone who thinks the Yorkshire Terrier is a frou-frou little dog is mistaken. The breed was designed to rid the Yorkshire textile mills of rats. They’re smart, independent, ferocious little problem-solvers.
And that’s why little dogs can maneuver into any space, figure out how to open anything (drawers, cabinets, purses, etc.), and generally create havoc and mayhem. All while being incredibly cute.
Filling the void
With that background, it’s also true that dogs are adaptable and will happily give over control. They like rules, but don’t have to be the ones writing them. Too often new dog owners find themselves letting the dog’s needs/wants take over their schedule. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Setting the household rules can be fun – from teaching the dog to come when called to greeting visitors politely. Just like us, dogs learn quickly when they’re having fun learning. And they often take their cues from their people’s energy. If you think something is fun, your dog will think so, too!
Ignore the fussing
Dogs are like toddlers in lots of ways. When they don’t get their way, they may fuss and whine. If you give in, that’s the behavior that will continue. If you ignore it, chances are they’ll go on to something that’s more fun than fussing. And just about anything’s really more fun than fussing.
We know instances where dogs ruled people’s lives. Neither the people nor the dogs were happy, because that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. If you treat your dog like a toddler, setting limits and offering good choices, you’ll both be happier. The major difference between living with a child and a dog is that you’re allowed to spoil the dog. The dog doesn’t have to grow up to be a responsible taxpayer!
