Getting your dog to "say please" is utilizing dog training in every day situations. Since these opportunities reward your dog for good behavior and practice the obedience.
Applying the principle of Say Please is simple. Whatever your dog wants, he has to work for. For example from now on, doors are not opened willy-nilly; frisbees are not simply thrown. For those, and many other privileges, ask your dog to say please by sitting, doing a down, spinning or performing whatever trick he knows.
With this purpose in mind, both you and your dog win. Your dog is well-trained and polite but he gets what he wants (his belly rubbed, walks, being fed). What’s more, you have laid the foundation for an enjoyable relationship for a lifetime.
How to Do Say Please:
- Make a list of everything your dog wants and enjoys.
- Pledge to yourself from now on you won’t be giving those things away for free. See everything as training opportunities, then ask your dog for an obedience behavior or trick you want strengthened.
- As a result, give him what he wants as a reward for that behavior.
- Repeat, every day, everywhere, anytime.
Training Tip: Be patient. Practicing cues in new situations can be a challenge. For instance, a sit at the door when your dog is eager to get out for a walk is harder than a sit in front of you.
When to use it.
- Before throwing a ball, Frisbee, rope-toy, etc.
- Before giving him a toy.
- Before putting the food bowl down.
- Before handing over a treat or chewie.
- Before opening a door.
- Before putting on a leash to go for a walk.
- Before taking off a leash at the park or beach.
- Before dishing out a belly rub.
- Before hopping into or out of the car.
- Before allowing your dog onto the couch with you.
If you have more questions on games that can help with training you can read my bog post about tug here or you can contact me at allison@allisonsanimalacademy.com
Wags,
Allison
