Royal Library

Definition of Management:

• Management involves planning and exerting influence on your dog's surroundings to discourage unwanted behaviors. For instance, preventing a dog from engaging in disruptive activities like digging, barking, or chewing by controlling their environment.

Why Management Matters:

• Prevention: By managing your dog's environment, you prevent unwanted behaviors from happening.
• Behavior Modification: Once you prevent the behavior, you can then teach your dog an alternative, appropriate behavior.

Examples of Effective Management:

1.Barking at the Window:

• Solution: Use a baby gate to block access or install curtains to cover the windows.

2. Rummaging Through Garbage:

• Solution: Get a garbage can with a secure lid or place it in an area your dog cannot reach.

3. Bolting Out the Door:

• Solution: Keep your dog on a leash, put up a baby gate by the door, or put the dog in a cage.

4. Destructive Behavior When Alone:

• Solution: Crate your dog or provide engaging activities while you're away.

5. Barking at Sounds:

• Solution: Play soothing music or reward your dog as soon as they hear a noise, instead of waiting for them to bark.

Methods of Control:

• Effective management can quickly stop behaviors, especially when introduced early. For example, using a baby gate to prevent a dog from barking out the window can stop the behavior immediately.

Limitations:

• Management is not foolproof and can fail due to human error or long-standing habits in dogs. Consistent management and teaching alternative behaviors are crucial for lasting success.

Conclusion:

Proper management is the first step to altering unwanted dog behaviors. However, it’s essential to combine management with teaching your dog appropriate behaviors in various contexts for effective training.