You say “stay,” and your dog holds it for about two seconds.
You say “place,” and they stay…until you move.
You get a down, but not a down-stay.
Your dog won’t always have a treat waiting. They’ll need to listen when it matters, not just when you’re holding a hot dog.
When it’s done right, it creates calm, confident, and independent dogs who can handle real life without falling apart.
But here’s the truth: if your idea of socialization is constant interaction, you’re not building a stable dog. You’re building an overstimulated one.
Impulse control doesn’t come built-in. It’s a skill we have to teach.
They’re not trying to frustrate you. They’re trying to figure out what works. And if the rules change based on your mood or the day of the week, your dog will stay confused and inconsistent.