In the 'dogs back' method, what is the correct setup described?

In the 'dogs back' method, what is the correct setup described?

• A. Stand near the door and shout 'back'.
• B. Keep your hands at your side.
• C. Define the boundary around the door 3 ft away, walk toward the door face the dogs and say, 'dogs back.' Keep your hands at your side. Praise the dogs in a calm voice when they don't cross the boundary.
• D. Ignore them.

Answer: (C)

This setup teaches a clear, repeatable rule about the doorway by combining a visible boundary with a calm, direct cue and positive reinforcement. Defining a boundary around the door about three feet away gives the dogs a concrete limit to respect, so they don’t crowd the threshold. Walking toward the door while facing the dogs keeps you in their line of sight and shows them you’re in control, making the cue easy to understand. Saying “dogs back” provides a simple, consistent signal they can learn to respond to, especially when you deliver it at the boundary as you approach. Keeping your hands at your side prevents any grabbing or looming that could increase tension, helping the dogs stay calm. When they don’t cross the boundary, praising in a calm voice reinforces the desired behavior and makes it likely they’ll repeat it. This approach is far more effective than shouting, which can escalate arousal, or ignoring them, which teaches no boundary.

This setup teaches a clear, repeatable rule about the doorway by combining a visible boundary with a calm, direct cue and positive reinforcement. Defining a boundary around the door about three feet away gives the dogs a concrete limit to respect, so they don’t crowd the threshold. Walking toward the door while facing the dogs keeps you in their line of sight and shows them you’re in control, making the cue easy to understand. Saying “dogs back” provides a simple, consistent signal they can learn to respond to, especially when you deliver it at the boundary as you approach. Keeping your hands at your side prevents any grabbing or looming that could increase tension, helping the dogs stay calm. When they don’t cross the boundary, praising in a calm voice reinforces the desired behavior and makes it likely they’ll repeat it. This approach is far more effective than shouting, which can escalate arousal, or ignoring them, which teaches no boundary.