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How to teach your dog "The Invisible Wall"

Introduction 
There were couple of enquiries regarding the video we posted on The Invisible Wall, because of this we have decided to post a tutorial on how we taught Amber how not to cross areas that we do not want her to step into, it is very simple yet effective method, even our favorite dog that boarded with us, Shinee learned in just 2 days!




Why 
Some people may wonder why? Why waste time when I could just install a babygate? Truth is, there is nothing wrong with a babygate, it serves the purpose really well to stop a dog to go into places like the kitchen. But what if you do not want your dog to go into the room for example, or into the toilet? We can't possibly install babygates all over the house, I also use this method when we bring Amber out for walks, there are places like the basketball court where I wouldn't want her to run into during free roaming, we could also prevent her from going to certain places when we bring Amber to friends and family's place for visits.

Pros and cons 
Before considering this method, do note the pros and cons:

Pros: 

• Remove the needs of any barrier 

• Useful for multiple spots 

• Enforces positive training 

• Increases bonding and leadership 

• Proven effective on your dog even outside the house


Cons: 

• Possibility of your dog going into the area secretly 

 Takes a lot of time and patience at first


Step One 
Estimated duration - 1 to 7 days

Prepare treats, purposely walk into the area that you do not want your dog to be in, the kitchen for example. Walk into the kitchen, by holding treats you will want your dog to be following you wherever you go, when it starts stepping into the kitchen, say "NO", grab your dog's collar or leash and guide it back to the entrance. Repeat this step until your dog stops following, give treats. Do this as often as you can, and on a daily basis for best result.

Step Two 
Estimated duration - 1 to 3 days

Sooner or later your dog will give up following expecting treats in return, remember to reward when it doesn't step into the kitchen. It may actually take hours if not days for your dog to understand wait = treats, once it succeeds you can now try to go further into the kitchen where your dog will not be able to see you clearly. Always remember to come back and give treats when it succeeds, and of course NO TREATS when it steps into the kitchen. Never doubt the strength of treats, when you give it during the wrong situation you are just giving the wrong hint. You will notice this time it is much easier than the first round. Remember to do this everyday!

Step Three
Estimated duration - 1 week and above

Instead of walking into the kitchen, try running or brisk walking instead, dogs are excited when they see fast moving objects, it is good to train their urge to chase whatever that moves. You may notice slight hesitation when your dog attempts to follow you into the kitchen, this is a good sign and dogs with hesitation means they are thinking, it simulates their mind and will help with brain development. Follow the same procedure as step 1 and 2 - give treats when the dog doesn't follow.

Final

Your dog should be ready to roam alone in the house, always give a time limit to test out your dog, about 30 minutes is good for a start. You should always be around in the house at first, in the room, balcony or some other place that will be easy for you to spot check your dog every once in a while. Increase the duration only if your dog succeeds the previous time, adding about 30 minutes every improvement. If your dog happens to go into the unwanted area, show that you are unhappy give a loud "NO" and bring it back to the entrance area. 

The key is that you have to show your dog what kind of behavior is unwanted, point to the ground, say "NO" again. 

Additional tips

1

If you can't get past step one, try the below method instead:

• Walk one step into kitchen If dog follows, say "NO", guide it back 

• Stay beside it for a few seconds. 

• Walk one step into kitchen again 

• Give treats when your dog succeed in not following 

• Increase to two steps into kitchen 

• Repeat


This method will surely work sooner or later, because you are only one step away from your dog, it will be within your arm's reach, meaning physical contact will be easier and faster for you, commands will also be heard clearly.

2
Always remember to check on your dog during free roam, it is to find out whether your dog has fully learned not to cross into the unwanted area, not paying attention will result in your dog always going into the area whenever no one is watching.

3
Remember treats are always good for rewarding, even when your dog has fully learned something it is still recommended to give treats once in a while to encourage good behavior.

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