Jake : I’m interested in signing my dog up for obedience classes here.
Marisa: What kinds of problems are you having with her?
Jake: She’s a sweet, affectionate dog, but she’s driving me crazy. She won’t come when she’s called, She’s ripped my couch apart, she eats food from the table…
Marisa:Here’s a schedule of classes. Hang in there!
Jake: OK, but in the meantime, I really need some advice. How should I handle it when she disobeys?
Marisa: Well, I can give you a few tips now. You say she’s ripped your couch apart and that she takes food from the table. Do you let her on the couch and at your table?
Jake: Well, sometimes…
Marisa: You need to set rules and then stick with them 24/7. If you’re not consistent, she’s not going to learn.
Jake: Ok. But when she begs it’s hard not to let her do what she wants.
Marisa: Look. I’m going to get to the point. It sounds to me like your dog is calling the shots. You need to be more firm. If you train your dog not to do something, then suddenly let her do it, you’ll be back to the drawing board.