Manners!

Ahhh, manners - important for people and dogs alike!  Sadly, both species are generally lacking them as a whole.  First, we need to define what I consider basic manners I guess.  I'm not referring to any formal obedience here - I mean things like not surfing the counters in the kitchen for food or peeing on the floor, amongst other things.

Manners (Read: Rules) for dogs (& cats) in our house:

• No jumping up or rough housing, especially around the baby!
• No snatching food or snacks of any kind (even imaginary ones) out of hands or talking the baby into feeding you!  This includes laying around her highchair begging for scraps.
• Nothing on the counters or on my tables belongs to you until I say it does - nothing - even if I may occasionally give you something from there, you should *not* feel as if you can help yourself.
• You must know what "kennel" means.
• You must be able to wait for your food when I give it to you.
• You must know "quiet" and know it well.
• You must understand "back" and "out" and "go lay down".
• You must understand where the dog couch is and where the people couch/chair is and not confuse them.
• You may not participate in guarding behaviors from other dogs, i.e. over spaces, toys, or people.  Feel free to guard us from strangers though!!
• No peeing or pooping in my house unless it is an emergency and I failed to let you out, then you cannot be blamed and I will clean it with a smile.
• You will go outside when I ask you to - no acting like you don't hear me or running away...or acting like you are asleep.
• And most importantly - you must tolerate and love the baby - don't fret as I will save you if it gets too bad - for all you get from us, this is a small price to pay.

Of course there are probably tons of other things that I enforce on a daily basis, but these are the big commandments, if you will.  Every dog that enters our house, whether it is a new forever family member or a boarding dog - will abide by these at the very least.

Of course, every dog has to be taught these things, they don't come pre-programmed with these manners.  A dog will do whatever it can get away with!  If you are not consistent and fair with your expectations, you will have an inconsistent dog that only listens when/if he feels the need.  Lots of dogs work their way into a life of misery as an outside throw-away by not being able to follow basic house rules.

IT IS THE PERSONS FAULT, NOT THE DOGS FAULT!  If you have a naughty dog, then you have failed your dog.  It is not fair that he is banished to live in the cold because you cannot be bothered to teach him properly.  Perhaps you should not own a dog?  Perhaps you need to seek a professional trainer to assist you?  Perhaps you chose the wrong breed?  The list can go on forever - but the bottom line is that the dog did not ask you to bring him home - it was your choice and it shouldn't be taken lightly.  A dog is a commitment of time, energy, resources and love - at a very minimum.  You get it all back with their love, loyalty and manners though!  It is a wise investment to make!  If you don't think so, then refer to the above that you may not need to own a dog.

Over the next week or so, I'm going to expand on how we get our dogs to follow those rules and also how to take a puppy OR older dog and teach him as well.

So, does anybody have any rules to add here?  Any qualms with the ones that we have or think we're too strict?  By all means, tell me about it!

-Rhiannon