Fetch Please Dog Training

Here's an example of why a dog, whose needs have all been met and who has built a strong relationship with their owner, can be trusted to make better decisions:

My backyard neighbors are outside where Dot can see and hear them. Genetically speaking, this is a dog who is going to charge, bark, and posture at things outside of her territory when left to her own decises.

What do I want? To enjoy a peaceful afternoon in my yard, for my neighbors to be able to do the same, and to procrastinate on all the yard work I have to do.

Whether or not that is a reasonable expectation depends on the answers to the following questions:

1) do I have a history of fun, cooperation, and clear communication with the dog?

2) is the dog in need of an outlet for their energy?

3) has the dog learned appropriate alternative and incompatible behaviors to what her instincts tell her to do?

It also depends on my knowledge:

1) can I effectively read my dogs body language; specifically, can I tell when the dogs' arousal level is approaching a threshold at which the dog loses emotional regulation?

2) do I have a good understanding of differential reinforcement of alternative, incompatible, and other behaviors? (DRA, DRI, DRO)?

3) have I taken the time to develop these behaviors prior to difficult scenarios?

Apologies for not including the flirt pole + tug game. I may not be a videographer with 3 arms, but I am a girl who doesn't need to put video evidence of my current outfit on the internet.

Part 2: how to teach your dog "place"