Predictability, Peace, and Paws:
Why Dogs Require Rules and Boundaries
Rules and boundaries are important for dogs as they provide structure and predictability, which give dogs security and confidence, and can reduce anxiety and stress. Clear rules help dogs understand expectations, preventing unwanted behaviours like jumping or barking, and allow dogs to trust and respect the relationship.
Rules and Boundaries
Rules and boundaries cover everything from security and confidence to the safety benefits for both the dog and the people around them. It emphasizes the bond between dog and owner, making the relationship truly more enjoyable for both.
One thing that really stands out is how boundaries contribute to reduced anxiety in dogs. They know where they stand in the world when there’s structure, which helps them feel safe and more secure.
The Benefits
Security & Confidence:
Dogs, like people, need structure to feel secure. Without it, they might start acting out due to insecurity or anxiety. A dog feels secure through a combination of consistency, a safe personal space, positive interactions, and by meeting their fundamental needs for food, exercise, and structure.
Behavioural Guidance:
Boundaries create a clear understanding of what’s okay and what’s not. This helps curb unwanted behaviours like reactivity, fear, and barking. It also teaches good manners, like sitting to be petted, walking nicely on a leash, and lying on their bed during dinner.
Improved Relationship:
When you provide consistent leadership, your dog learns to trust and rely on you, leading to a stronger and more confident bond.
Safety:
Rules can protect your dog from dangerous situations, such as wandering into traffic or approaching aggressive animals. If your dog has a rule that they can’t leave an open door until they hear their release word, then they won’t be running into traffic when they get out of your car or the house door opens.
Predictable Routines:
Dogs love routines, and when meal times and other activities are predictable, they feel more at ease and less stressed. This doesn’t mean you have to feed at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm every day, but it may look like this, no matter the time. We wake up, let the dog out to pee, make and drink our coffee, and then feed the dog. Or in the evening, it may be, get home, let the dog out to pee, make supper, eat supper, feed the dog. Before you stress, if you miss your routine here and there, no, it won’t make your dog immediately stressed.
For humans, having a dog that understands boundaries leads to better communication, reduced management, and a more relaxed home.
Clear rules make expectations more transparent, improving mutual understanding with your dog. With boundaries in place, you can count on your dog to make good decisions, so you’re not constantly hovering over them. The better trained and more confident your dog is, the more relaxed everyone in the household becomes.
