Raising Your Dog with the Just Behaving Philosophy

Welcoming a new puppy brings immense joy, but often, it also brings predictable behavioral challenges. Jumping up, nipping, potty accidents, destructive chewing, barking, and hyperactivity are incredibly common issues faced by families. Studies even show a vast majority of pet dogs exhibit at least one problematic behavior. Traditionally, owners often react after these problems appear, enrolling in obedience classes for commands like "off," buying deterrent sprays, or resorting to scolding and punishment. This reactive cycle – puppy gets into trouble, owner corrects – is unfortunately the norm, leading to frustration and inconsistent results. Giving young dogs too much freedom without guidance often hinders the goal of a well-behaved companion. Rules clamped down later create confusion for a dog punished for behaviors previously allowed or ignored.

The Just Behaving philosophy offers a fundamentally different path: prevention. We aim to stop these common issues from ever arising by guiding the puppy correctly from day one. If a puppy never learns the "fun" of chewing rugs or that pulling gets them to the park faster, there's nothing to "undo" later. This isn't idealistic; it's achievable with consistency and foresight, mirroring how professional trainers often manage new pups by limiting freedom and supervising closely to prevent the rehearsal of bad habits. By shaping experiences positively from the start, Just Behaving families find many typical problems simply don't appear, allowing energy to be spent enjoying life with a secure, well-mannered dog.

Introducing Just Behaving: A Way of Life for All Families

What is Just Behaving? It's a philosophy emphasizing natural development, trust, and mentorship over formal drills. It’s not rigid but an adaptable mindset fitting any family – retirees, young couples, busy households with kids, single owners. It's about guiding your dog to integrate smoothly, behaving politely almost as if pre-trained.

Crucially, Just Behaving includes and enhances natural, enjoyable activities like running, fetch, and exploring. The key is the thoughtful integration of these joyful experiences, teaching dogs to shift naturally between engagement and calm togetherness. A Just Behaving dog at a picnic can play fetch energetically, then settle calmly at your feet without commands, having learned context and emotional regulation. This balance allows them more freedom and richer experiences.

At its core, learning happens through everyday life—feeding, play, walks, relaxation – not just scheduled sessions. Communication trumps commands; we focus on understanding needs and signals while showing the dog how to make good choices. Instead of commanding "sit" for every greeting, we consistently reward calm greetings and prevent jumping from being rewarding, so the dog intrinsically learns polite behavior. This mirrors natural canine learning through cues, body language, and gentle corrections.

Just Behaving involves clear structure and boundaries, applied peacefully and guide-oriented, not forcefully. You become a compassionate mentor, setting rules but also setting the pup up for success to minimize harsh enforcement. This creates "free dogs" – dogs who earn real freedom through trustworthiness, enjoying more off-leash time, house freedom, and inclusion because of the strong relationship built. Reliability is achieved through trust and understanding, not just obedience tricks.

Anyone can embrace this flexible, humane lifestyle, focusing on long-term well-being. You start seeing the world through your dog's eyes, anticipating challenges, shaping experiences, and enjoying the small victories of peaceful coexistence. It's a journey of mutual understanding, starting the moment your puppy arrives.

Shifting from "Training" to "Raising": Mentorship Over Commands

A core mindset shift in Just Behaving is moving from "training" to "raising". Traditional training often centers on control – teaching specific commands via repetition, treats, or corrections, often reacting to problems. Raising is about holistic development and prevention – proactively shaping character and habits so good behavior emerges naturally and unwanted behaviors fade from lack of practice.

Think of it as raising a child versus teaching a student. In raising mode, every moment is educational. You become a mentor, guiding by example, setting boundaries, offering gentle corrections like an older dog would. Instead of asking "How do I get my dog to obey?", ask "How do I set up their world so they choose the right thing?".

Example: Preventing couch access. Training reacts with "Off!" after the jump. Raising manages the environment (barriers, comfy bed alternative), reinforcing use of the bed. The puppy accepts couches aren't for them; no "Off!" command is needed because the habit never forms. The emphasis is raising a polite dog overall, not just drilling commands.

Just Behaving leans on developing intrinsic understanding. Instead of needing a "stay" command at the door, the dog naturally hesitates because rushing out was never reinforced. Behavior becomes habitual, consistent even without direct supervision. Prevention is easier than fixing ingrained habits. Raising means investing upfront in mentorship and structure, making formal "training" almost seamless.

Building the Relationship from Day One: Mentorship and Calmness

Your mentorship journey begins immediately. Puppies are highly impressionable; early interactions shape their future. Be intentional: guide with warmth and clarity, establishing desired patterns early. You are their first mentor in the human world, stepping into the role their mother and littermates played. Teach by example and gentle intervention, like mimicking a mother dog's correction for rough mouthing ("Ouch!" and withdraw attention) or calmly redirecting overexcited nipping. Seize teachable moments calmly and consistently.

Calmness is key. Puppies mirror our energy. Chaotic environments breed anxious dogs; peaceful, reassuring tones foster relaxation and learning. Prioritize calm greetings, let puppies approach visitors at their own pace, reward naps. A calm household with predictable routines builds security.

Consistency shapes future behavior. Rules set early (no furniture, gentle play) must be maintained by everyone. Be mindful not to accidentally reward unwanted behaviors (like jumping). Bond through positive experiences: cuddles, gentle hand-feeding, appropriate play. Build trust; a trusting puppy follows guidance readily.

Understanding Freedom: How Structure Yields True Freedom

"Structured freedom" means early guidance and clear boundaries empower dogs to earn more freedom long-term than dogs raised permissively. Many dogs live restricted lives because owners don't trust them. Just Behaving flips this: structure upfront builds trustworthiness for later freedom.

Too much freedom too soon leads to rehearsing bad habits (accidents, chewing, bolting). Owners react by tightening control, shrinking the dog's world. Just Behaving starts with limited, safe freedom (puppy-proofed room, indoor leash) and gradually expands it as the puppy demonstrates responsibility. Preventing mistakes builds security. Freedom is earned step-by-step; trust is the currency. The dog perceives only gains, not losses. Mistakes are managed constructively, maintaining trust. This structure allows dogs to enjoy more activities safely (off-leash hikes, family gatherings) because they are reliable.

Applying Just Behaving in Daily Life: Practical Guidance

This is the playbook for raising your puppy the natural way, integrating learning into everyday life.

• The Early Puppy Weeks (A Safe, Structured Start): 
  • Puppy-proof thoroughly; remove temptations.
  • Set up a "safe zone" (pen/gated area) with crate, bed, water, toys for unsupervised times.
  • Establish consistent routines: feeding, frequent potty breaks (praise outside success, calmly clean inside accidents), play, sleep.
  • Introduce the crate positively as a den.
  • Shape the eat-play-potty-sleep cycle deliberately.
  • Set and consistently enforce simple boundaries (e.g., no furniture, four-on-the-floor greetings) with all family members.
  • Socialize gradually and positively: controlled introductions to new sights, sounds, surfaces, calm people, and appropriate dogs. Avoid overwhelming situations like dog parks initially.

• Preventing Problems Before They Start: 
  • Crucial principle: Never intentionally request or encourage behaviors (jumping, mouthing, tug) you'll later forbid. Use spontaneous attempts as teaching moments.
  • Chewing/Destruction: Puppy-proof, provide ample appropriate chew toys, rotate toys, supervise, redirect calmly from wrong items to right ones, praise correct chewing. Survive teething (3-6 months) by guiding urges appropriately.
  • Nipping/Biting: Withdraw attention immediately ("Ouch!") when teeth touch skin. Redirect to toys. Be consistent. Avoid overly rough play.
  • Jumping: Never reward jumping. Ignore or turn away; engage only when four paws are on the floor. Teach sit-for-petting. Ensure guest consistency.
  • Excessive Barking: Address the cause. Acknowledge environmental noises calmly and redirect. Ignore attention barking; reward quiet. Meet needs (exercise, potty).
  • Leash Pulling: Start early. Use stop-and-go method (stop when leash tightens, proceed when slack). Change directions. Reward check-ins. Prevent pulling from becoming self-rewarding.

• Mentorship and Learning by Example: 
  • Model desired behaviors (calmness, politeness). Your dog watches you.
  • Use daily routines (meal prep, doorbell) as teaching moments for settling.
  • Teach impulse control naturally: waiting at doors, before meals.
  • Expose puppy to calm, well-mannered adult dog role models if possible; supervise interactions.
  • If you are the sole mentor, be fair, consistent, and encouraging.

• Setting Boundaries Through Calm Leadership: 
  • Stay calm and assertive when enforcing rules; avoid yelling or anger.
  • Be absolutely consistent; rules apply always, with everyone. Use clear non-verbal signals.
  • Use proportional, humane consequences (loss of privilege, gentle interruption), not harsh punishment.
  • Reinforce desired behavior alongside setting boundaries.
  • Withhold attention strategically for demand behaviors; reward calm.

• Natural Impulse Control (Patience and Politeness): 
  • Use daily routines: practice "waiting" for food, at doors.
  • Incorporate waits into play: two-toy fetch game, teaching "drop it" during tug.
  • Reward calm in stimulating situations (greetings); use "Place" command if helpful.
  • Use short training games: "Leave It," gradually increasing difficulty.
  • Be patient and realistic; celebrate small victories.

• Encouraging Good Socialization and Play: 
  • Focus on quality, calm interactions with appropriate dogs (known gentle adults, well-run puppy classes). Supervise play; interrupt if too rough.
  • Teach children gentle interaction; supervise closely; provide puppy safe zones. Introduce new people/experiences positively and controlled.
  • Prevent rough play (especially hand-mouthing); channel play onto toys; use structured games; encourage varied play types.
  • Monitor for early problems (resource guarding, bullying) and address calmly.
  • Expose to environments gradually and positively. Socialization is ongoing.

• Creating a Stable, Fulfilling Home Environment: 
  • Stick to routines but allow some flexibility to build adaptability.
  • Provide balanced physical/mental exercise calmly; avoid creating adrenaline junkies.
  • Use crates/safe zones positively as dens for rest/security.
  • Teach comfort with being alone gradually.
  • Include the dog calmly in family life.
  • Meet basic needs (nutrition, water, vet care, comfort).
  • Show affection appropriately, reinforcing calm.

• The Role of Dog-Dog Mentorship: 
  • If you have a stable older dog, let them mentor (teach etiquette, model calm), but supervise and manage interactions. Provide breaks. Be aware they might model bad habits too.
  • If no mentor dog, you take on the full role. Mimic natural corrections gently. Seek external socialization opportunities (playdates, classes). Teach alone-time comfort. Bond strongly through positive interaction.

• Breaking Free from the Training Mindset (Embracing Peace Over Hype): 
  • Shift focus from commands/excitement to balance/relationship. Constant arousal creates stress. Value calm coexistence. Teach dogs it's okay to "do nothing". Prioritize relationship and intrinsic understanding over checklists. Enjoy quiet moments; let dogs rest. Choose quality exercise balanced with downtime. Practice calm interactions.

• Integrating Just Behaving into Family Life (Tailoring to Your Needs): 
  • Busy Professionals: Use routines, helpers (walker/daycare aligned with philosophy), quality interactions, management tools.
  • Families with Kids: Involve kids age-appropriately, teach calm interaction, supervise, create safe zones, ensure family consistency.
  • Couples/First-Time Owners: Ensure partner consistency, adapt rules to lifestyle, practice separations, stick to core principles.
  • Retirees/Stay-at-Home: Leverage time/calm routine, but teach independence and ensure worldly exposure. Maintain boundaries; avoid spoiling.
  • Single Owners: Build strong bond, involve dog in life, seek support networks, foster independence.

Adapt principles to your life; integrate the dog naturally.

Conclusion: The Just Behaving Journey

Raising a dog is a journey of mutual discovery. By embracing the Just Behaving way – prioritizing mentorship, calmness, prevention, structure, and clear communication – you cultivate a dog who doesn't just obey but understands how to live harmoniously. With patience, consistency, and love, you'll raise a trustworthy, happy companion who is truly free to be part of your world.

© 2010 Just Behaving (Dan Roach). All rights reserved.