[Michele]

NILIF

Nothing in Life is Free

Undesirable behavior can be caused by many things, including undetected illness. No behavior modification program should begin without first taking the dog to a veterinarian for a complete physical examination. While you're there, give your vet a printed copy of this page and ask if it would be an appropriate technique for you to try. The NILIF program is an accepted standard in dog training/behavior but it is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for an in-person, professional evaluation of your dog's behavior. This technique is intended for dogs in good health and of sound mind and stable temperament.


The NILIF program is remarkable because it's effective for such a wide variety of problems. A shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that he has nothing to worry about, his owner is in charge of all things. A dog that's pushing too hard to become "top dog" learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title.

It is equally successful with dogs that fall anywhere between those two extremes. The program is not difficult to put into effect and it's not time consuming if the dog already knows a few basic obedience commands. I've never seen this technique fail to bring about a positive change in behavior, however, the change can be more profound in some dogs than others. Most owners use this program in conjunction with other behavior modification techniques such as coping with fear or treatment for aggression. It is a perfectly suitable technique for the dog with no major behavior problems that just needs some fine tuning.

ATTENTION ON DEMAND
The program begins by eliminating attention on demand. When your dog comes to you and nudges your hand, saying "pet me! pet me!" ignore him. Don't tell him "no", don't push him away. Simply pretend you don't notice him. This has worked for him before, so don't be surprised if he tries harder to get your attention. When he figures out that this no longer works, he'll stop. In a pack situation, the top ranking dogs can demand attention from the lower ranking ones, not the other way around. When you give your dog attention on demand you're telling him that he has more status in the pack than you do. Timid dogs become stressed by having this power and may become clingy. They're never sure when you'll be in charge so they can't relax. What if something scary happens, like a stranger coming in the house? Who will handle that? The timid dog that is demanding of attention can be on edge a lot of the time because he has more responsibility than he can handle.

Some dogs see their ability to demand attention as confirmation that they are the "alpha", then become difficult to handle when told to "sit" or "down" or some other demand is placed on them. It is not their leadership status that stresses them out, it's the lack of consistency. They may or may not actually be alpha material, but having no one in the pack that is clearly the leader is a bigger problem than having the dog assume that role full time. Dogs are happiest when the pack order is stable. Tension is created by a constant fluctuation of pack leadership.

EXTINCTION BURSTS
Your dog already knows that he can demand your attention and he knows what works to get that to happen. As of today, it no longer works, but he doesn't know that yet. We all try harder at something we know works when it stops working. If I gave you a twenty dollar bill every time you clapped your hands together, you'd clap a lot. But, if I suddenly stopped handing you money, even though you were still clapping, you'd clap more and clap louder. You might even get closer to me to make sure I was noticing that you were clapping. You might even shout at me "Hey! I'm clapping like crazy over here, where's the money?". If I didn't respond at all, in any way, you'd stop. It wasn't working anymore. That last try -- that loud, frequent clapping is an extinction burst. If, however, during that extinction burst, I gave you another twenty dollar bill you'd be right back in it. It would take a lot longer to get you to stop clapping because you just learned that if you try hard enough, it will work.

When your dog learns that the behaviors that used to get him your attention don't work any more he's going to try harder and he's going to have an extinction burst. If you give him attention during that time you will have to work that much harder to get him turned around again. Telling him "no" or pushing him away is not the kind of attention he's after, but it's still attention. Completely ignoring him will work faster and better.

YOU HAVE THE POWER
As the human and as his owner you have control of all things that are wonderful in his life. This is the backbone of the NILIF program. You control all of the resources. Playing, attention, food, walks, going in and out of the door, going for a ride in the car, going to the dog park. Anything and everything that your dog wants comes from you. If he's been getting most of these things for free there is no real reason for him to respect your leadership or your ownership of these things. Again, a timid dog is going to be stressed by this situation, a pushy dog is going to be difficult to handle. Both of them would prefer to have you in charge.

To implement the NILIF program you simply have to have your dog earn his use of your resources. He's hungry? No problem, he simply has to sit before his bowl is put down. He wants to play fetch? Great! He has to "down" before you throw the ball. Want to go for a walk or a ride? He has to sit to get his lead snapped on and has to sit while the front door is opened. He has to sit and wait while the car door is opened and listen for the word (I use "OK") that means "get into the car". When you return he has to wait for the word that means "get out of the car" even if the door is wide open. Don't be too hard on him. He's already learned that he can make all of these decisions on his own. He has a strong history of being in control of when he gets these resources. Enforce the new rules, but keep in mind that he's only doing what he's been taught to do and he's going to need some time to get the hang of it all.

You're going to have to pay attention to things that you probably haven't noticed before. If you feed your dog from your plate do you just toss him a green bean? No more. He has to earn it. You don't have to use standard obedience commands, any kind of action will do. If your dog knows "shake" or "spin around" or "speak" use those commands. Does your dog sleep on your bed? Teach him that he has to wait for you to say "OK" to get on the bed and he has to get down when you say "off". Teach him to go to his bed, or other designated spot, on command. When he goes to his spot and lays down tell him "stay" and then release him with a treat reward. Having a particular spot where he stays is very helpful for when you have guests or otherwise need him out of the way for a while. It also teaches him that free run of the house is a resource that you control. There are probably many things that your dog sees as valuable resources that I haven't mentioned here.

The NILIF program should not be a long, drawn out process. All you need to do is enforce a simple command before allowing him access to what he wants. Dinner, for example, should be a two or three second encounter that consists of nothing more than saying "sit", then "good dog!", then putting the bowl down and walking away.

ATTENTION AND PLAY
Now that your dog is no longer calling the shots you will have to make an extra effort to provide him with attention and play time. Call him to you, have him "sit" and then lavish him with as much attention as you want. Have him go get his favorite toy and play as long as you both have the energy. The difference is that now you will be the one initiating the attention and beginning the play time. He's going to depend on you now, a lot more than before, to see that he gets what he needs. What he needs most is quality time with you. This would be a good time to enroll in a group obedience class. If his basic obedience is top notch, see about joining an agility class or fly ball team.

NILIF DOES *NOT* MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO RESTRICT THE AMOUNT OF ATTENTION YOU GIVE TO YOUR DOG. The NILIF concept speaks to who initiates the attention (you!), not the amount of attention. Go ahead and call your dog to you 100 times a day for hugs and kisses!! You can demand his attention, he can no longer demand yours!

Within a day or two your dog will see you in a whole new light and will be eager to learn more. Use this time to teach new things, such as 'roll over' or learn the specific names of different toys.

If you have a shy dog, you'll see a more relaxed dog. There is no longer any reason to worry about much of anything. He now has complete faith in you as his protector and guide. If you have a pushy dog he'll be glad that the fight for leadership is over and his new role is that of devoted and adored pet.

[Shes Got Heart]

great info, i had no idea that i was rewarding bad behavior by giving her attention every night I sit at the computer and she shoves her nose under my arm.

[theber9]

The real question here is how to train your husband to stop rewarding the dog at innappropriate times. Any one else have these issues? The funny thing is we are in total agreement of how to raise our children, the arguments come with how to raise our dog!

[Galadriel]

Have you tried a rolled up newspaper?

[Jelet]

going to re read this.. its time i practice this more with rex

[pamwoodall]

I did not realize I am doing alot of what you say not to. I am going to work on this as well! Thank you thank you thank you!

[bullylover4ever]

wow that was like a condensed 4 seasons of Dog Wisperer. I really think this will help both lexi and ruca thanks so very much.

[BlueRose_Kennel]

lol! I have been using this training method for YEARS without even realizing it had a proper name! I'm glad Michelle stressed that this type of training doesn't mean you pay less attention to your dog. A lot of the people I try and teach this method to can't get past the part about controlling the dog's toys. All they seem to hear is "take his toys away". IMO, this method encourages MORE interaction between the dog and owner because the owner has to ensure that the dog is allowed to have some playtime and being in controll of the toys means that you get to play along too!

[BlueRose_Kennel]

I wanted to say one more thing regaurding the control of toys. It is very important that the dog ALWAYS has access to a SAFE chew toy. Chewing is very good "self calming" method for dogs and an acceptable way for them to release some pent up agression. I use Nylabones for my dogs and I usualy have about 2 or 3 lying around in various areas throughout our home and yard.

[Silly Willy]

Thats all really great info! I asked willy to come in side in my usual pleading/asking way. When he didnt come, I asked him once more in the im telling you way and he ran right over. I almost fell over in shock. Is there a certain age I should wait to start traning him, He's 11 weeks, He knows sit and drop it pretty well.

[ineedxena]

I understand what you are talking about. I try to explain things to my babe, but all he does is say " you think you know it all" I try to explain it to him that, that is not the case. So yes i undestand exactly how you feel. He is getting better.

[Drgnrdr]

Willy: you are training him as soon as you bring him to your home, whether you realize it or not, keep reading the post on here they are very informative.
Get into a class that you can watch, and see how the trainer is, and the class, are they having fun are they paying attention,etc....
Then find out if they can clean and disinfect their area and if they do so...do the people have to show that the dogs have seen a vet, not a breeder giving shots but from a vet, which shows they have gotten a complete exam, is the trainer accredited or certified are they a member of apdt, cpdt or any other membership, even a cgc evaluator? Do they attend seminars for furthering their education?
And the major most important do you feel at ease with them, do they seem like they know what they're doing, see if they know the stuff you read on here.
Good luck

[marleyboy]

Great post. Nothing in Life is Free. words to live by. unless you want your dog to be a spoiled little brat. pitbulls have attitudes and one way to help with this attitude of theres is NILIF

[Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Galadriel Have you tried a rolled up newspaper?

LMAO, thanks for the laugh!
Good article, just good stuff to know... cheers!

[amillie]

Originally Posted by theber9 The real question here is how to train your husband to stop rewarding the dog at innappropriate times. Any one else have these issues? The funny thing is we are in total agreement of how to raise our children, the arguments come with how to raise our dog!

This is worst case scenario, other members of the family causing problems, I find it hard to tell them how to do things as they really aren't interested in the same as I. Although I do now persuade them to have less contact with my dog.

[ineedxena]

This is to funny. my boyfriend and I always get into an argument because I'm trying to explain to him the yes and nos a.d he just won't listen. he tehinks I know it all and I don't. I just read a lot and I see all the things on here that he does wrong. ahhhhh don't knowb what else to do. I am training 3 animals. lol lol. any advise from anyone?

[amillie]

NILIF training is execellent, I think I've already posted in this thread but a great rule of thumb for this practice, is to not always give your dog attention upon greeting him..

Basically I always practice where I would greet my dog but pay absolutely no attention to her. It's what I tell most people to do that are having problems, as most are inclined to always give attention.

[KaisersMom]

That was an awesome piece of info. I am having these "give me attention" episodes and this post has opened my eyes to proper behavior. Thank you so much for sharing!

[YoandO]

This has been super helpful. Now if I could only make my BF understand that it has to be done ALL the time.

[d1anonly22]

Houdini likes to bark and bark and bark. I tell him HUSH each time and he doesn't. Should I stop saying Hush each time he barks?