162.Don’t rush right into the home and “rescue” your dog from her crate. Calmly walk in the door and get situated in your home, then without too much fuss, get her out of the crate and on-leash, and then greet her with affection. Rushing home and tearing through the house like you’re about to greet a long-lost love will certainly skew your dog’s perspective about her importance in the family!
163.Do not place your dog’s crate in the center of the living space. Deliberate placement in the middle of or most important area of the house will cause your dog to believe he is the most important part of the house. He may never learn to be alone,and he may never want to be out of the spotlight. He should learn integration, not self-centeredness.
164.Structure and daily routine teaches a dog to follow rules. The morning routine alone of waking up, taking him for potty break, feeding him breakfast, walking him, etc., establishes the concept of following the rules and rhythm of the family. Do many “mini routines” daily to keep this concept developing and solid.
165.The continued use of regular, periodic crating at these stages helps your dog to continue to accept boundaries in life. The boundary of the crate is a literal boundary, but teaches the idea of accepting limits as well. This is especially important in this “questioning stage.” Keep using the crate to get past the “testing” stage.
166.Structure teaches security. Positive daily structure removes chaos and unpredictability from our dogs’ lives.Set up a plan for “mini routines,” daily practice sessions, and continuous leadership to give your dog a secure feeling about his life.Without the stress of unpredictability, our dogs can relax and be stress-free and problem-free!
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