Do you set boundaries with your dog? Having clear boundaries doesn’t mean you are mean or harsh with your dog. Instead, having boundaries can and should be part of gentle dog parenting. Setting boundaries for your dog is about setting a routine and creating clear expectations. Your boundaries should be unique to you and your dog and what works for you. For example, begging at the table might be something you dislike. For other people, this behavior isn’t an issue, and that’s ok! There is no one size fits all rule about what boundaries you should set with your dog, it’s about what is best for you and then being consistent with them. Not sure about setting boundaries? Here are five reasons to set boundaries with your dog:
1. Safety- The big reason to set boundaries with your dog is for their safety and the safety of others. Boundaries can take many forms, but they include taking safety precautions, such as leashing your dog when you go on walks and using that leash to prevent your dog from doing something dangerous, like running into traffic or running up to other dogs and people. Using a long line can help you to give your dog more opportunities to run and play but still provide the safety of a leashed boundary in case your dog gets over-excited about something.
2. Communication- Setting boundaries through regular training and having clear expectations for your dog’s behavior can help to improve the communication between you and your dog. You can have a shared language with your dog by training regularly and having consistent boundaries. Clear communication with your dog allows them to understand what you want them to do and reduces confusion. By having clear communication with your dog through training, you are setting your dog up for success, and your dog can know what you want and expect from them at home as when you go places together in the world.
3. Confidence Building – Dogs thrive on consistency; setting and maintaining boundaries helps dogs to know what to expect. Having clear boundaries and using reinforcers like treats so your dog understands the boundaries can help them feel more confident in all areas of their life. A confident and secure dog is more likely to engage in training, have fewer behavior problems, and be less likely to be stressed. By helping your dog know what to expect, they will be more eager to engage with you in play and training, allowing you to have more fun together.
4. Relationship Strengthening – One of the big benefits of setting boundaries is that it can help strengthen your relationship with your dog. When your dog knows they can depend on you as well as what to expect from your interactions, they will be more comfortable with you. As a result, your dog will trust you more and look to you for clarity and reassurance when they are worried. Being consistent with your dog can also help you to be more comfortable and confident bringing your dog places and interacting with them, as you’ll know how your dog will behave in different settings.
5. Prevents Behavior Problems – By setting clear boundaries and expectations for behavior with your dog, you are teaching your dog what you consider appropriate behavior. By doing this, you’re setting clear behavioral expectations and putting in the work to help your dog succeed in meeting those goals. Dedicating time to your dog’s care and education reduces the likelihood that you’ll deal with unexpected behavioral problems in the future. If behavior problems arise, you and your dog will also already have a common language established that will help your dog succeed in working through those issues.
