30 Day Dog Reset

If you are struggling with your dog’s behavior, try this for 30 days and you will see a HUGE change. This will take about 1.5 hours of your undivided attention each day, broken up into smaller segments.

Start your day right. Within the first 30 to 60 minutes of waking up, set the tone for the day by doing one of three things for about 30 minutes. Take your dog on a long structured walk, do an intense play session, or practice obedience in the house. Your dog has been sleeping for the last 8 to 10 hours. Work them. We want them fulfilled and tired.

When you finish, keep the leash on your dog inside the home. For the next 30 days, when your dog is awake, the leash stays on their normal collar. This allows you to reinforce commands and stop unwanted behavior immediately and consistently, on the first try.

After exercise, allow your dog time to do something without you. Working from home has created clingy dogs. Give your dog a bone or frozen Kong and either place them behind a baby gate or tether them near their bed. This part matters. Ask questions if this is confusing.

Next, feed your dog and put them away. If you leave for work, great. Just make sure your dog does not have access to the front window if barking is an issue. If you work from home, this is a great time to kennel your dog so they can get true rest.

Lunchtime will look similar but shorter. Let them out, do a quick 5 to 10 minute obedience session, and put them back. That is enough.

The 5 to 8 PM window is the witching hour for most dogs because they are underworked and restless. As soon as you wrap up work, this is when your dog gets the biggest exertion of the day. I want their tongue hanging out so you can make and eat dinner in peace. This is also a great time to practice place or tethering so your dog is not begging.

In the evening, create one hour where your dog is not allowed on the couch. I love cuddling with my dogs too, but boundaries matter. They do not need to do anything specific, they just should not have access to the couch. Use the leash, do not repeat yourself, and do not get frustrated. Also, don't be afraid to use your crate for a one hour break in the evening too. Dog's don't sleep anywhere near enough, not true rest at least. 

Throughout these 30 days, work your commands daily and focus on impulse control. Stay, place, heel, and leave it. All of this can be done inside your house and in your front yard. Stick with this for 30 days.

Consistency beats everything.
Call me if you'd like to sign up for training.
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Vinnie Somma
C: 412-427-7507  
Email: [email protected]