Done

What is the "Done" command and how do you teach it?

Being a pet parent is a rewarding experience filled with countless moments of joy, companionship, and love. However, it is also a role that comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to understanding our furry friends' behaviors. Among these behaviors, excessive barking and the refusal to disengage from toys or activities can particularly test a pet parent's patience and understanding.

Excessive barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, but it can become problematic when it is prolonged or inappropriate. It can be triggered by various stimuli, including excitement, fear, separation anxiety, or the need for attention. Similarly, a dog's inability to disengage from toys or activities when commanded, often seen when they refuse to drop a toy or cease an activity upon hearing "done", can be a hurdle in maintaining a harmonious environment at home or in public spaces.

Common Misconceptions

There are common misconceptions around these behaviors. Some may believe that a barking dog is merely aggressive or that a dog that refuses to follow the "done" command is simply stubborn. It's crucial to understand that these behaviors might have evolved for a number of different reasons but the most important thing is consistent and proper training. Overcoming these hurdles doesn't have to be a battle of wills. Instead, with patience, consistency, and the right training techniques, it can be a fulfilling journey that deepens your bond with your dog and enhances their well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into understanding these behaviors and how you can effectively address them.

Steps to Address Implementing the "Done" Command

Step 1: Teaching Phase

The first step in teaching your dog the "done" command is to introduce it during a situation they are familiar with, such as playing with a toy. Allow your dog to engage with the toy and while they are holding it in their mouth, clearly and firmly say "done".

Ensure that the environment is free of distractions during this teaching phase so that your dog can fully focus on you and the command. The teaching phase can take several days to weeks, depending on the dog.

Once your dog drops the toy, mark this behavior with a word such as "good" or use a clicker, then reward your dog with a treat or praise. It's important that you give the toy back to your dog immediately after rewarding them, to teach them that obeying the command does not mean the end of playtime. This process helps to positively reinforce the "done" command and makes it more likely your dog will comply in the future.

At this stage, repetition and patience are key. Continue practicing this command during play sessions, always ensuring that the "done" command is followed by a mark, reward, and the continuation of play.

Step 2: Reinforcing Phase

The second step is the Reinforcing phase. In this phase, your dog should start to understand what "done" means and you should expect them to comply every time you give the command. When you say "done", your dog should drop whatever they are engaged with. Remember to variably reward when your dog obeys, this could be with a treat, a pet, or verbal praise.

Repetition and consistency continue to be crucial in this stage. The goal is to reinforce the behavior enough that your dog understands what is expected of them when they hear the command. If your dog does not drop the toy when you command "done", apply a gentle correction. This can be done by withholding the toy or stopping playtime momentarily.

It's important to remember that your dog should not engage with the toy again until you have given them permission. This helps your dog to understand that the "done" command means to disengage and that they cannot reengage without your permission.

Step 3: Proofing Phase

The third phase is the Proofing phase. In this stage, you should practice the "done" command with a variety of objects and situations. For example, you could practice the command with food, bones, during play, etc. The goal is to generalize the "done" command so that your dog understands it applies to all situations, not just when playing with a specific toy.

Practice this command in different environments and around distractions. This could be at the park with other dogs, at home when there are guests, or during mealtime when there are food distractions. Gradually increase the distance and duration that you expect your dog to stay disengaged after giving the "done" command. As always, remember to reward variably for successful obedience and apply corrections as necessary for disobedience.

Step 4: Maintenance Phase

The Maintenance phase is the final phase in teaching the "done" command. During this phase, your goal is to maintain your dog's understanding of the command and ensure it remains consistent over time. Practice the "done" command during everyday situations and periodically throughout your dog's lifetime.

Remember, consistency is key. Your dog should always disengage when given the "done" command and should not reengage without your permission. Maintaining this boundary will help your dog to better understand and respect the command, making it a useful tool in managing your dog's behavior.

Case Studies

1. Case Study 1: A Border Collie named Max was known for his over-excitement with toys. Whenever a toy was introduced, Max would fixate on it, making it difficult for him to focus on anything else. Through the implementation of the "done" command, Max's owners were able to effectively manage his behavior around toys. Now, when they say "done", Max drops the toy and disengages, ready for the next command.

2. Case Study 2: Luna, a Labradoodle, used to guard her resources, particularly her food and bones. After learning the "done" command, Luna's resource guarding behavior significantly decreased. Now, when given the "done" command, Luna moves away from her food or bone, allowing her owners to safely remove it if needed.

3. Case Study 3: For the energetic Pit Bull Terrier, Buster, tug play was his favorite activity. However, it became a problem when he wouldn't release the tug toy, even when playtime was over. The introduction of the "done" command provided a solution. Now, whenever his owners say "done", Buster releases the tug toy, effectively ending the game.

Pet Parent Coaching

1. Always remember to hold your dog accountable for the "done" command. If they don't follow through, apply a correction.

2. When using the command during high-energy play like tug, don't continue to tug or reach for the toy once you've given the command. This can send mixed signals to your dog.

3. Make sure not to repeat the command. Saying the command only once helps your dog understand that they need to respond promptly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and managing behaviors like excessive barking and refusal to disengage is integral to building a harmonious relationship with your dog. Often, these behaviors, if left unmanaged, can lead to a disturbed peace at home or even stress and anxiety for your dog. However, with patience, persistence, and the right strategies, you can effectively address these behaviors, leading to a happier, well-adjusted canine companion.

Remember, the goal isn't to control your dog but to foster effective communication for a mutually respectful relationship. This journey may be challenging and filled with hiccups, but the reward of a well-behaved and content dog is well worth the effort. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; they're stepping stones in your shared journey. Celebrate every victory, however small, and always remain patient and consistent. You're not alone in this; a community of pet parents and professionals is always ready to lend a helping hand. Keep working, keep learning, and most importantly, keep loving your furry friend.

FAQs

1. When should I practice the "done" command? You should practice the "done" command throughout your training sessions and as often as possible.

2. What should I do if my dog responds inappropriately to the "done" command? If your dog doesn't follow the command, apply a correction, and try again. If they continue to not respond appropriately, it may be a sign that you need to go back to the teaching phase and reinforce the command more.

3. Can I use the "done" command for other things aside from toys? Yes, the "done" command can be used in a variety of situations, such as around food, bones, during play, etc.

4. What kind of rewards should I use when my dog obeys the "done" command? Variable rewards work best. This could be treats, praise, pets, or even the opportunity to reengage with the toy or activity.

5. How do I stop my dog from reengaging with the toy after the "done" command is given? Remember to withhold the toy or distraction until you give your dog permission to reengage. If they try to reengage without permission, apply a correction.