These Are the Boundaries Every Dog-Owner Should Teach

If my pup isnt given a job, for example, hell find one himself.

And if anyone (especially a stranger) violates his personal space, he gets nippy.

Boundaries keep them safe and help them feel calm.

Foster says that boundarieswhats acceptable and what isntwill be unique to each human and their dog.

Plus, every trainer will approach constructing and maintaining those boundaries differently.

But there are a few basic boundaries that are helpful for most any poochand owner.

Boundaries to teach your dog

First, help your dog understand personal spacetheirs and yours.

This is especially important for highly driven sporting and working dogs.

Give your dog their own space to eatdont feed them off the table.

This can minimize begging.

Teach your dog not to lunge or bark at other dogs or people when youre out walking.

Foster says this behavior often results from a lack of guidance and good leash manners.

Giving your dog clear directions for walking and building their trust can help mitigate this problem.

Your relationship with your dog isnt one-sided.

If they are expected to respect your boundaries, you should also respect theirs.

Once youve established their personal areaa bed, crate, or matdont invade it.

Dont allow kids to harass your dog either, especially when theyre in their safe space.

Know what stresses your dog out, and dont push them outside of that comfort zone.

Finally, dont force your dog to participate in activities they dont like or thrive in.

Not every dog is meant to be a service animal, agility champion, or dock diver.

Just like most humans wouldnt want to be touched by random people, dogs cant be expected to either.

Plus, not all dogs are friendly with strangersand thats OK.

If you do get permission, dont immediately pat the dogs head or get in its face.

Similarly, dont allow your own dog to approach another dog without asking.

Just because your dog is friendly does not mean other dogs will be.

This can be especially problematic if your dog is off-leash and running up to a leashed dog.

Dont be afraid to step in front of your dog if a stranger approaches.

you could say that your dog isnt friendly or that youre focused on training.

And you’re free to (and should) leave a situation if its dangerous for your dog.