Fido Philosophy

People who keep training their dog one way and expecting a different outcome are going to end up with a dog in the dog pound. Thank you Dog-stein.

So a general tip I give these frustrated dog owners is from another great 20th century philosopher: George Costanza. "Do the opposite." Remember the Seinfeld episode where George did the opposite of what he would normally do? George realized that by constantly doing the same thing he's always done, he was getting the same results. So if he did the opposite of what he normally would do, maybe he would get a positive result. *

When I've told clients to apply this philosophy to their dogs, partially it's to lighten the mood. If you've ever had a dog that is constantly misbehaving, working with your dog can be in the least, frustrating. So when the usual dog issue arises and the blood starts boiling, think, "George Costanza!" Have a giggle, and figure out what the next step is, blood less curdled.

Here are some possible dog George Costanza moments:

• If usually your dog barks or whines at you during: leashing, feeding, or other excited activities--George Costanza--do the opposite (slow down, stop, leave)
  
• If you normally let your disobedient dog have treats all day without earning them--George Costanza--do the opposite (no treats, work for treats--sit, down, stay).
• If you normally let your guarding dog lay on top of you--George Costanza it--do the opposite (no over protective dogs ON you).
• If on your daily walk you stop your dog every time another dog walks by to combat reactivity--George Costanza it--do the opposite (ignore, ignore, and keep walking).
• If your little dog growls when people come near, so you pull him nearer and pet him--do the opposite (put him down, push him away--no cuddles for bad behavior).

May the George Costanza philosophy have you so happy you're doing the Elaine Dance.

*If you have an aggressive dog, hopefully you are wise enough to know that you can't "George Costanza it." The George Costanza rule is for mild dog behavior issues.