As first seen on the Bedford-Katonah Patch
A few weeks back, I got into a discussion with several moms at the playground about—imagine this—raising our kids. We covered back talking, sibling rivalry, motivating cooperation…the usual concerns. I offered my favorite strategy: “Keep them busy and give little age-appropriate chores throughout the day.”
As we shared our ideas and theories—many of which are applicable whether the “kids” being discussed walk on two legs or four—I had my latest epiphany. Your dog needs to do chores.
Chores and dogs? Yes. Creative training can use dog-appropriate “chores” to improve behavior and instill good manners. Let me elaborate.
About a month ago, my daughter delegated some of her table setting responsibilities to her younger brother. Normally, my son would fling the silverware across the room as fast as my daughter could place it. But now, thrilled with responsibility and consumed with concentration, he carefully placed the forks on the table.
As is often the case, I got thinking about dog and how many “bad” behaviors are often a response to boredom and feelings of uselessness—especially in intelligent, athletic or spirited dogs. Many of the tasks our dogs are bred for—herding sheep, pulling sleds or chasing down rabbits—are rarely required today, but there are many ways pet owners can involve their dogs in daily activities to help them feel more needed, useful and appreciated.
In puppies, the big chore is teaching them the basics of everyday living—where to go to the bathroom, how to interact with others and what to chew. Like a human toddler facing the toilet bowl or trying to understand why the knife drawer is off-limits, these routines are not innate. Patient, consistent reminders are the best way to reinforce understanding in either species.
As your dog matures, employ more complex routines to stave off boredom. Basic obedience skills like “sit-stay,” “down” and “come” aren’t just words that you teach in an obedience classroom—use these skills throughout the day to direct and guide your dog.
In addition to commands, teach your dog simple words to highlight everyday routines and people. “Car,” “Upstairs,” and “Sam” let your dog know what’s happening next. This draws them into life’s flow so they don’t feel left out and anxious, wondering what could happen next. These commands give structure to the day and encourage good manners, but they don’t point to any specific chore.
I encourage you to think out of the box…what lies beyond the routines of sit-stay, come and paw? How about “shut the door,” “carry the bag” or “get the paper?” These small, stimulating chores are surprisingly easy to teach. Find ways to make your dog feel useful and you’ll have a happier, more cooperative dog.