Hi all, Sarah replied to a current topic with a link to the above which I found very interesting and thought provoking. I would be interested to hear your thoughts about this. Is this the way to go for a happier, more relaxed dog?

There are various forms/interpretations of this.

As I have seen it applied it can be a very useful and non confrontational tool especially for dogs who have never known boundaries, and people who are not naturally forceful.

It requires you to outhink the dog and shape it's behaviour as you control all good things and that if they co-operate with you good things happen but at your pace.

Taken to extremes I think ti could be very depressing/stressful for owner and dog.

I was thinking it might take away the spontaneity of a dog's desire for a smooch or hug. Might put it off those "moments" if it is constantly told to stop what it is doing or is completely ignored. Maybe I'm too soft or maybe too needy!!!

I have never used NILIF although I know many Mal people who have.  I think you have to bear in mind that spontaneity in a well behaved dog is different, and you wouldn't be using this process in that type of dog :-)

You do have to be careful. For instance if a dog has little confidence and the owner does too much of the ignoring it can be extremely distressing for the dog (and ultimately the owner). However if more emphasis is put on doing nice sits for something it can gain the dog confidence as long as it is done with fun and a happy attitude.

I prefer the phrase "learn to earn" really, although it's very similar if not the same thing.

I think many of us use "elements" of NILIF from time to time.

Lindsay
x

PS Apologies for "Shouting" the topic title.

> I prefer the phrase "learn to earn" really, although it's very similar if not the same thing.
>
> I think many of us use "elements" of NILIF from time to time.
>

I tend to think fo it in that way.

I like it Learn to Earn.

> I think you have to bear in mind that spontaneity in a well behaved dog is different, and you wouldn't be using this process in that type of dog :-)

Point taken. I suppose there are different levels of use depending on the dog concerned.

I was thinking it might take away the spontaneity of a dog's desire for a smooch or hug. Might put it off those "moments" if it is constantly told to stop what it is doing or is completely ignored. Maybe I'm too soft or maybe too needy!!!

No I think your right, and that can happen if it's taken to far which sometimes the NLIF approach can be!  Like Lindsay and Brainless I prefer the Learn to Earn way of looking at it and basically would use it for teaching manners, like using a sit as a please for dinner or treats or a wait by a door or gateway and walking nicely for one, two or twenty paces depending on what the dog has been taught before getting off lead.

I find it sad that dogs are often ignored and or don't feel they can ask for a fuss because it's pointless them initiating it - I like that my dogs feel comfortable to come and ask me for a fuss or cuddle whenever they want - I may not always be able to drop what I'm doing and oblige, but if I say wait a mintue then they have learnt that they can get their fuss when I'm done.  I think taken too far all this method will do is break down the communication between dog and owner rather than enhance it which it has the potential to do.