Boundary training is a tool for dog owners who want to restrict their dogs to one location without restricting their movements. Boundary training works inside or outside, limiting the dog to an area the size of a bath towel or to a particular space within acres of land.
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Show before Training
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"Showing" the dog its boundaries consists of presenting the leashed dog the borders of its confinement, either by praising the dog as it stands on the dog bed or towel (inside) or by walking a dog along a painted line or series of small flags (outside) that mark its space.
Begin Small
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The simplest boundary training begins indoors, using a pillow or dog bed, a clicker and some treats. The trainer guides the dog into the area of the boundary, followed by either a click and a treat or by praise. Once the dog understands the movement, a command such as "place" or "go bed" is added.
Improvement over Time
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Boundary training is simple, but improvement is gradual. The inside dog first has its leash removed. Duration and distance from the trainer increases until trainer can command the dog to a space across the room with expectations the dog will stay for up to 30 minutes. Outside dogs improve first by replacing the leash with a long line, followed by removing the line entirely.
Better Training, Better Companions
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Boundary-trained dogs are better companions. The indoor dog owner can send the dog to its "place" answering the door or leaving the house. Dogs trained to outside boundaries can be given more freedom outside, wherever boundaries can be marked, even when a fence does not enclose the property.
Lays a Foundation
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Boundary training can prepare the dog for formal obedience behaviors later in life. Puppies and dogs with outdoor boundary training are prepared for agility, hunting or other activities that require them to work away from their owners while still remaining under their owners' control.
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