You’ve probably heard the saying that 'quick fixes' in dog training are too good to be true, and often, it is.
Quick fixes have a reputation of being associated with trainers who use punishment and aversive tools. And while that is true, it’s not always the case.
I am a positive reinforcement trainer. I’m totally science based, and force free. But I use quick fixes...!
Management is my quick fix, and it’s underrated.
The reason I write this, is because I have recently worked with a gorgeous but greedy dog who had a small issue with eating from the kitty’s litter tray. Now, we could have taught a leave it cue, which would have taken time. The owner was open to the idea, but with work commitments and children, she wanted an quicker option. So, we decided on an easier approach - a quick fix - would be to add a safety chain lock to the spare room door (where the cat’s tray was) so it would open enough for the cat, but not enough for the dog, as well as making it easily accessible for humans.
I've used management and quick fixes in my own life with my own dog, too. For example, my Molly (another greedy dog!) steals food if it is left out in the kitchen. My quick fix is to shut the kitchen door until I have time to clean the food away. Easy!
Quick fixes aren’t always suitable, and sometimes they should be used purely as short term whilst you are training a long-term option, but it can take a weight off your shoulders and take the pressure off you for training too.
Here are a few other examples of quick fixes…
Give a frozen Kong just before the postman arrives to reduce / stop barking.
Strategically place plants and arrange furniture / put up vinyl window covers to reduce barking out the window.
Feed dogs in separate rooms to stop them guarding.
Feed your dog at the same time as feeding yourselves to reduce begging. If they are too speedy at eating, put the food in a puzzle.
Use a long line to give your dog a good run if they don’t have a good recall.
Use a baby gate to keep your dog out of the kitchen to reduce counter surfing.
Put shoes in storage boxes to stop puppy chewing.
This is just a few - I could have gone on and on! Just remember, having a quick fix isn't lazy, or bad training! We all do it, sometimes without realising, and there are ways to make it even more effective!
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