Nilif

[NoodlezxMama]

Nothing In Life Is Free..

Has anyone heard of this, or does anyone do it? I read briefly about it, and have started to introduce it to Gizmo, as to kind of get more control..He's really developing beautifully, despite a few minor things..(the pitbull attack was a major..major set back with him..)

With that said..he sits and gives paw in order to get his meals, he sits before going out the door, and in the door. He sits before getting in the car, or out of the car. Sits before getting in his crate, and lays down before getting in his crate.

It's REALLY helping. The neighbor kids came over today to pet him (despite how much I tell them to stop, I think I am going to tell them I don't want them to come over anymore because he is getting snippy and may bite..even though he never would..), and when he'd normally be jumping all over and licking, I told him to sit..and he SAT..he didn't move an inch..but I just about fell over!!

Alvin had him outside a couple of hours ago..though, and a lady walked by with her (maybe a sheltie mix) dog, and Alvin had him sit. IT could've been much worse, but he's still not where I'd like him to be. He sat, sure, but he just whined and yapped till he couldn't see the dog anymore. I don't know.. I think that's still a losing battle.

He's getting more excercise in a day, then I do in a week..lol..and we're still leash training with the gentle leader, and that's getting much better too!!

But anyway, that hellish little puppy that I had...(remember that little thing?) well!! he's fading away quite nicely, and I don't think I miss it!

[BetterDog4U]

Nothing In Life Is Free..

Has anyone heard of this, or does anyone do it? I read briefly about it, and have started to introduce it to Gizmo, as to kind of get more control..He's really developing beautifully, despite a few minor things..(the pitbull attack was a major..major set back with him..)

With that said..he sits and gives paw in order to get his meals, he sits before going out the door, and in the door. He sits before getting in the car, or out of the car. Sits before getting in his crate, and lays down before getting in his crate.

Yes, I have Always done it ...

They must sit before I give effection, they sit and stay as I pour the food in the bowl. They MUST remain in a "stay" for a random amount of time befere I release them to eat. They must sit and stay as i open the door and wait for me to release them before they go thru the open door.

While out in the yard, I randomly call them to me and make them sit. A period of 30 seconds to two minutes may pass before I release them back to play.

As i see it, the command is part of training ... and the release from that command is the reward. Yes, I DO give treats on occation, but not often. And its usually just when Im training something new!

[ann_hawes]

We LIVE it here. Even the grandkids know it as a way of life. It's so ingrained that when one of the kids goes to get the dogs a treat, all of them instantly hit the floor when they hear the treat bag rustle.

Funny...DeeOhGee used to go out on the deck and rustle that bag, then come running in to see if all of the other dogs were in a Down-Stay, which they would be. It was the closest I've ever seen a dog to laughing, and it always cracked me up. I miss my little prankster.

[Labman]

It is a label for much of what I had been trained to do long before I ever heard of it. It fits in with the strong leadership dogs need. You do it as a strict, but loving parent, not a harsh drill sergeant.

I suspect it is something somebody put together in a book and labeled it. Not a book I remember reading.

[elsasmom]

That's the way life works here too. I'm getting my husband on board with the training also. When I drive into the yard, he tells Elsa to sit and wait until the car stops; then he releases her to run to me. I like being the reward:D
A walk in the woods involves lots of call backs and the reward is to be able to run again. All treats and dinner and loves require a prescribed action on her part. Life is great with a well behaved dog in the house;)

[BetterDog4U]

An interesting side note:
Both of my brothers and myself were raised the same way!

When we did what we were told "the first time", did our chores without being reminded, got good grades on or report cards, or did something nice for someone "on our own" we got to do special things.

These special things (rewards) ranged from going to our favorite restaurant for dinner, going to the local ice cream shop, or going roller skating. Or it might be something smaller like mom making our favorite meal ... or maybe a having picnic at the park.

My favorite "reward" was being able to take two of my friends with me to the lake for the day. (Think swimming and paddle boats) :D

[Labman]

Like I keep saying, dogs need a good leader, and a good leader is like an old fashioned strict, but loving parnent.

[NoodlezxMama]

Like I keep saying, dogs need a good leader, and a good leader is like an old fashioned strict, but loving parnent.

It has been a struggle trying to get any kind of leadership over Gizmo..but it's finally happening!! When Noodles passed, my way of mourning was to just baby Gizmo..not train or anything, but just baby him..but now (well not now, but before) he's just walking all over me, and I've had enough..he's learning his place in our house now.

[CerbiesMom]

Good for you Leesa! I know how trying those little ones can be. It always seems like they know exactly what button to push what day to really irk you and get the most reaction. And they grin while they do it.

I do sort of NILIF. Calm gets the little ones out of the crate. They sit before going outside, and for dinner. I'm a little different than everyone else regarding outside. I always want running TO me to be the reward, I don't want my dogs to be rewarded for running away from me. I'm also very liberal with the treats with my guys.

[Corinthian]

Even as a child, before hearing of the term, I was doing it.

I used to call it the trade contract because the dog would trade one behavior for one of mine or one of the environment.

Like all good relationships, it is based on mutually beneficial behaviours. In fact when you really think about it all good relationships are based on reciprocity where both parties feel they are treated fairly and are getting something for their involvement. (employer-employee, manager-worker, teacher-student, ...)