Not including the amazing clients who jump into dog training with the enthusiasm of a Labrador spotting a tennis ball, ready to tackle whatever comes their way. But sometimes training means adjustments that feel about as fun as stepping barefoot on a squeaky toy at 2 a.m. Enter "management," which inevitably earns me eye-rolls, head tilts, and skeptical looks from humans—and a judgmental side-eye from their dogs, as if they're saying, "Seriously, human? You expect ME to change?"
Management is absolutely critical early in training because it sets our dogs up to succeed. Think about trying to give up Oreos (I know—tragic!). You wouldn't keep them stacked proudly on your countertop, chanting, "Just say no!" Nope. You’d bury those delicious cookies deep in a cupboard, or better yet, banish them completely. Eventually, you'll breeze by the cookie aisle without so much as drooling, but at first, you need the temptation gone.
Dogs work exactly the same way. Is your pup auditioning for "Neighborhood Watch" by aggressively barking at squirrels, mail carriers, and suspicious-looking leaves through your front window? Temporarily blocking their view isn't a permanent solution, but it stops them from rehearsing their award-winning performance and helps your actual training take root.
Humans have this weird double standard: we totally get the idea of removing temptation for ourselves but expect dogs to miraculously behave because "they know better." Newsflash: if your dog actually "knew better," I’d probably be out of a job.
Management isn't a cop-out—it's smart training in disguise. It might mean temporarily shelving neighborhood strolls if your dog turns into Cujo at the sight of another pup, or simply using a crate to protect your shoes from your puppy’s destructive artistry. Remember, this isn’t forever—just long enough for your training to kick in.
One of my clients has practically become an Olympic gold medalist in dog-avoidance maneuvers during walks. She now strategically times her outings, plots quieter routes, and when necessary, executes impressive evasive maneuvers—like suddenly developing an intense fascination with a neighbor’s mailbox or passionately "inspecting" a tree until the coast is clear. Silly? Maybe. Genius? Definitely. And her dog’s anxiety and reactivity have dramatically improved because of it.
Bottom line: if your dog makes you pretend you're deeply interested in random shrubs or has you diving behind parked cars, you’re not failing—you’re mastering the art of management. Celebrate your cleverness and keep giving your pup every possible chance to succeed.
Happy training, and remember: today's creative management leads to tomorrow's peaceful walks!
