Philosophy
Everyone is entitled for freedom!
However, individual freedom requires the tolerance of others. Thus, it’s essential to train our dogs to coexist within the human environment, which includes not chasing joggers or cyclists and not stealing balls from children at play.
Fortunately, many dogs are well-behaved and don’t cause issues, even without extensive obedience training. But like humans, each dog is unique. Some may bark at other people and dogs, tug on the leash, or ignore commands. These dogs, in particular, require clear rules and boundaries.
For dog owners, the most crucial aspect is to assume the social role in the dog-owner relationship, which involves making decisions, issuing commands, setting prohibitions, and granting permissions. Depending on the dog’s personality, this may lead to conflict, which should be embraced as an opportunity for learning and evolving the dog-owner relationship.
Successfull dog training
It is illusory to assume, that conflicts can be solved just with praise and treats. A dog wouldn’t wait until another dog drops the bone voluntarily and reward that. It would use aggression and make it physically and unmistakably clear to keep away from the bone.
It is not an act of violence to obstruct a dog’s path, nudge it, or tug on its fur to interrupt unwanted behavior; this is a form of communication among dogs that facilitates rapid learning of boundaries.
A dog that recognizes and adheres to set boundaries can enjoy freedom within them. Dogs deserve the chance to roam leash-free, mingle with their peers, and engage in natural behaviors like eating odd substances or rolling in pungent scents.
However, a dog without any restrictions is doomed to a life on a leash. While a long training leash may seem to offer more liberty, it often results in the owner untangling the leash from debris rather than granting true freedom.