I just had something happen that I think is a great example of something that happens to everyone with dogs fairly often. I had a paper towel folded into four with an empty (thankfully) glass on top of it sitting on my coffee table. Kody jumped up and gently tugged at it to get it and ended up pulling the glass and the paper towel off the coffee table.
I was a little surprised because I was paying attention to what was on TV and said, “No no!” Not loud or anything, just like if you were surprised by an event. No big deal, I picked up the paper towel and the glass and we moved on.
Now, if you read my post yesterday, you know my personality. I want to understand everything. So I thought about the dynamics of the situation. I had placed an item that Kody loves on the edge of the coffee table. He loves to rip up paper towels. Then I had for some reason expected him not to be interested in it. Well, I didn’t really expect it, per say, but I hadn’t thought about it. Either way, it was unrealistic to think he wouldn’t eventually give in to temptation and try to get it. I was responsible for this.
I went right over to the computer to post about this because it’s a great example of what dog owners go through every day. I’ve come to expect these little happenings, they’re just mistakes. But another dog owner might have really laid into their dog, especially had the glass been full, punishing the dog for their own negligence!
I know the “No no!” a said would have no lasting effect. I only said it out of surprise. In fact the glass also falling probably had more of an effect on him. It’s hard to train a dog never to do something. What is easiest is to just pick up my paper towels when I’m not using them. And that’s what I normally do. Because I don’t need or want Kody to stop loving paper towels, I can see why they’re fun for him. I don’t give them to him because they make a huge mess, but I understand.
When an event occurs with your dog, think about it and really think if you could have done something simple to prevent it, like removing a tempting object, or shutting a door. The thing is, when you own a dog, it’s your responsibility to keep him out of trouble. If you let your dog get into trouble and then punish him for that, that’s unfair, and potentially emotionally damaging to your dog.
Always set your dog up for success and you will both be a lot happier.