Management

Management means setting up an environment that encourages the dog to make desirable choices and prevents them from performing unacceptable behaviors. It involves structuring your dog’s surroundings and interactions to limit opportunities for mistakes, and increase his chances for success.

In some cases, management may be the solution. In other situations, management is the starting point to prevent unwanted behavior until it has been solved with training and behavior modification.

Please Don't Report Me To The Management: What "management" means to dog trainers and why we love it so much

Management Tools and Strategies

Common management tools:

Crates
Baby gates
Exercise pens (x-pens)
Leash, long lines
Window film and coverings
Muzzles
Treat magnet The Treat Magnet
Treat scatter

Examples of management strategies:

Keeping items picked up - food bowls that might be guarded, laundry in hampers, counters cleared, shoes put out of reach.
Walking in a quiet, boring area (e.g. empty parking lot) when teaching loose leash walking.
Using a treat magnet to lure a reactive dog away from a trigger.
For a dog who is sensitive to noises, masking external noises with a fan , radio or white noise, or keeping the dog in a quieter part of the home
Covering windows with shades or removable film for dogs who are triggered by outside movement or light/shadows

Confinement

Some options for confinement:

Baby gates - Examples of baby gates
- Available in multiple widths and heights, and attachment options; some can be temporarily installed in doorways.
- The most convenient are those with a latched swinging gate, allowing you to easily pass through without opening the entire barrier.
- Two or more can be used if you need a tall barricade.
Exercise pen (x-pen) - Examples of x-pens
- Use as a freestanding pen in an open area, to span a larger doorway or to circle a crate for a dog who isn't fully crate trained.
- X-pens can easily be bolted to the wall with an eye-hook and carabiner, or secured with a chair placed at each end.
- Use pool noodles slit lengthwise or foam packing sheets to protect furniture or walls from metal edges.
Freestanding hinged panel dog gate - Examples of freestanding dog barriers
Use a tether (leash) to attach him to you or a piece of furniture, so you can keep an eye on him.
Improvise a barricade with household items
- Chairs or multiple chairs placed in alternating directions or with backs facing the dog
- Large cardboard boxes
- Ice chests
- Clothes drying rack turned on its side

Match risk and level of security needed with your particular situation. Many dogs will respect barriers that they could physically jump over or get through, but there are no guarantees. You may need to use several layers of barriers, eg. a baby gate across a doorway, and an x-pen or chairs placed a few feet farther, to create a larger visual deterrent.

Graphic used with permission. More resources available at Lizzy and the Good Dog People.

Using management to help with different behaviors

Counter surfing

Counters kept clear so the dog doesn’t score something that may be a significant reinforcer (Steak! Entire Ham! Jackpot!!! This behavior will absolutely be repeated!)
Block access to kitchen - baby gates, x-pen, crate, dog tethered just outside kitchen
Dog hangs out in a crate with a stuffed Kong during human meal prep

Manners around human food

Dog settling in his crate away from dining table with an interactive food toy or chew toy
Dog tethered away from dining table but close enough to reward for settling on a mat/dog bed

Running away (door dashing, escaping from car, recall training)

Baby gate or x-pen to block access to front door
If you have an attached garage, go outside through the garage so there are two doors to prevent an escape - house door and garage door
Dog crated or tethered in car so he can’t jump out until you have control
Using a long line for freedom to explore, play and swim instead of relying on recall

Greeting without jumping

On a leash kept away from target person
Behind a baby gate
Using treats to toss or toy to tug

Leash reactivity

Changing where and/or when you go for walks
Treat magnet to lure away from trigger
Treat scatters - “find it” game
Using visual barriers in environment to block the view of a trigger

Barking at windows

Close blinds
Put film on lower part of window to block the dog’s view

Keeping off of furniture

Block access to the room - door, gate
Put cookie sheets on couch
Pull cushions into an angle to make couch less inviting
Have an inviting dog bed nearby to have an alternative and reward for any interest

Sound sensitivity

Play soothing background music
Use white noise machine
Create safe haven - cover crate with a blanket, provide comfy area in quieter room

Drinking from the toilet

Keep the lid down
Close bathroom door

Getting into garbage cans

Use cans that are covered
Keep garbage in a cupboard or closet

Loose leash walking

Be selective in your environment when training this skill to minimize distraction and enticements. Start inside the house. Practice in an empty parking lot where there won’t be other dogs or peemail to smell.
Equipment - Front clip harness, leash clipped front and back, using a longer leash, or a Gentle Leader (not preferred)

And many others.

Additional Resources

The Magic of Management in Dog Training (Academy for Dog Trainers)

Your Dog's Behavior: When to Manage, When to Train (Whole Dog Journal)

Are There Quick Fixes for Dog Behavior Problems? Part 1 - My Fantastic Friend

Are There Quick Fixes for Dog Behavior Problems? Part 2 - My Fantastic Friend

Book: Manage It: Hacks to Improve Your Dog's Behavior by Juliana DeWillems

Podcast Episode: Doggy Dojo - October 1, 2024 - Manage It: Hacks to Improve Your Dog's Behavior with Juliana DeWillems

DISCLAIMER: These materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or legal advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before implementing any training technique that may affect the health, safety, or wellbeing of any animal or person.

By using these materials, you acknowledge and agree that:

Dog training involves inherent risks, including but not limited to, physical injury to humans and animals, property damage, and emotional distress.
Each dog is unique and may respond differently to training techniques.
Golden Bond Rescue cannot guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or results of any training method described in these materials.
You assume full responsibility for assessing the appropriateness of any training technique for your specific situation.

Golden Bond Rescue hereby expressly disclaims all liability for any injuries, damages, or losses of any kind that may occur to any person, animal, or property as a result of using, implementing, or following any techniques, methods, guidance, instructions, or recommendations contained herein.