Have you ever heard the saying “only give your dog as much freedom as she can responsibly handle”?
There’s a lot of power in that statement. If you have a super relaxed and easy-going dog that just wants to sleep all day, doesn’t bark or get into the trash, then you can offer her more freedom because she can handle it.
But if you have a dog that paces all day, jumps on the counter, and eats the kids’ stuffies, then you need to give her more structure!
She’s telling you that she doesn’t know what to do with that much freedom. So by limiting her freedom in your home, you can start teaching her what choices she should be making.
Listen to your dog, she’ll tell you what she needs.
What does it look like to add structure to your dog’s day? The most common and easiest solution is time in the crate. This takes away the option to roam around your home and get into trouble. Most importantly, it provides structure and a very clear boundary.
I know, I know. Your dog looks sad in the crate, right?
Fear not, this isn’t a permanent solution. You still need to teach your dog how to live within your home and your rules. But the crate is a great way to bridge the gap until your dog learns those rules.
It keeps her safe, It keeps her calm. It gives her a comfy place to relax while you’re busy. Then when you’re ready, you can let her out and spend some quality time together. Whether that’s playing tug, learning a new trick, or going for a nice walk, her time out of the crate will be so much more meaningful. And the best part? You’ll be able to monitor everything she’s doing. You can let her know when she makes a great choice, and you can let her know when she makes a mistake.