what do you think of  this? To me it sounds quite interesting seeing my Oscar is on the pushy side lol As loveable as he is :)

I've seen it recommended quite a few times - it seems quite popular over in the US (I go on a few US boards), and if the reports from the owners recommended it is anything to go by it works very well.  Personally I don't use it - any issues I've had with my own dogs have been my fault for no training the necessary behaviour - but I do use elements of it.

For example, if we go to the park; the dogs must wait on command in the car, boot door open, till I say "go".  Then they must sit at the gate to the park until I open it.  It took a few goes, but now they always sit the second I ask - basically the same as the full NILIF program; they want to run in the park, they sit first.  Anytime I decide to implement something like this it takes a few goes but it works - and I've noticed their behaviour generally imrpoves, getting a little more responsive with time.  The latest one is the front door - my dobe likes to bolt if there's a cat (and owning 4, there often is!), so now both dogs have to wait and sit while I go out first, to check for small furry lunch-like items :) works a treat, they are better behaved generally leaving the house now.  So going by my experiences, and the reports I've read in the past from owners who've used the full program, it's worth a go - and you can do it without indulging in any of that pack theory malarky.  Probably the best thing about it (and why it's so effective, I believe) is that it encourage consistency on the part of the owner in all aspects of the dog's life, and that alone can work wonders IMO!

Sounds promiseing indeed then, I'll give it ago. :)

It's the sort of programme that can end up with dogs being a bit repressed if owners take it too far - that's my problem with it. The way the programme is phrased also refers lots to pack theory which is not something I subscribe to anymore - my dog doesn't want to take over my house/life/finances :P

I prefer to suggest something similar based on simply good manners, boundaries and positive training - it doesn't come across as being so regimented nor as being in competition witih the dog for "top dog" spot ;)

I agree both timid and pushy dogs need boundaries and to know what is expected of them, but this can be done when training for good manners (ie sit before greeting, eating, lead  on, etc).

It's got nothing at all to do with any kind of top dog thing :)

I also often respond to my dog when she requests it - part of thefun of owning a dog, and i don't want her repressed - but she has been taught "That's enough" which is when all interaction ceases and she knows to relax and go away and lie down. I much prefer this as I enjoy responding to her.

Lindsay
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