Obedience defined is: the willingness to “follow” (comply: act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes) the will of others. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obedience

I see obedience available in many instances, as simply living everyday with your companion. It involves giving directions through posturing, pointing or verbally. The verbal part is usually done with association. For example your dog sits on its own and you say sit or gobbledygook, or whatever it’s through association. To really enhance it your timing should be the exact instant they start to move into that or any other position, you associate the word. If you are half a heartbeat too late it will still likely work.

This works with “go to your place” as they go to their pillow/bed/crate/corner etc. If when giving direction you use your body to face or look in the direction, or point. It makes it much easier to understand.

I place small treats in every position I can conjure and point at them saying “look”, to the point that I point straight up and say “look” and they do, much to the amusement of others. This is also a form of enrichment and variety that’s necessary for all our well being.

I use the word “go” to cause them to move in the direction I am pointing as I motion with or swing my arm. I think inside/outside is over doing it yet even then they will figure us out. The word essentially means get in motion. Again if they are already moving and you associate pointing through the motion of your arm they will come to associate what they are doing with what you would have them do.

I give direction in pointing to the area I would like them to eliminate and say, “Go potty”, which serves many functions, most importantly social dominance in the pack. You might say, do your business! Or pee pee, that’s not me; but I hear all kinds of bizarre sayings, pick your own. It will make your neighbors happy that you aren’t allowing their yard to be a bathroom. Not to mention you become a responsible owner by doing this and cleaning up after your companion.

While on this subject; don’t allow your male (especially) or female to mark (micturation) where ever they choose. If going for a walk, take the opportunity and responsibility by not allowing them to mark everywhere. It’s not necessary, no one has to go that much! (Although I’ve been on trips with my daughters, I won’t go there!) The other point of not allowing it to happen is you will once again be giving direction, thus enhancing your leadership. Not allowing your companion to become territorial also, especially the males.

For safety’s sake give direction entering and exiting your vehicle, again the social point, secondly the safety point of do not jump in all over things or with muddy feet on someone and especially the exit into what at some point may be a dangerous situation. Then it becomes part of correct behavior if you are consistent.

My favorite is the recall; “come” or what I prefer is “here” because the sound is sharper. I and you can use it when giving a treat. As to say here is a treat. Although I don’t practice this without asking for focus through sit, etc. (must earn it) I never allow the treat to be taken. It is only “given”, once again that social aspect which makes a better happier companion. They are happier because it is parallel to a pack situation, thus fulfilling their need.

If you truly love your companion, that involves at most fulfilling their needs. I know it isn’t always nor often the case and that most pets are to fulfill someone’s needs. This is called displacement and may work for some of us but in truth it isn’t the best for our true friends. So if you find yourself in that situation you may want to reevaluate yourself for their sake and well being.

Steve Estrada, Gone to the Dogs | June 2005©