Management—Good Or Bad?
Welcome back to Off Leash and Unfiltered with Kati Peppe, owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine. In this episode, Kati breaks down the crucial balance between training and management in dog behavior.
Many dog owners focus heavily on training while overlooking the role of management—structured oversight that helps guide a dog’s behavior. Every dog requires a mix of both, but the exact ratio varies based on the dog’s temperament, training progress, and household dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
- Training and management go hand in hand. You can’t train effectively without some level of management, especially early on.
- All dogs need some level of management, even well-trained ones. Whether it’s using crates, gates, leashes, or structured rules, responsible dog ownership requires oversight.
- Training works best when structured. Letting a dog have too much freedom too soon can lead to inconsistent results. Controlled training environments, like board and train programs, accelerate progress by ensuring clear, constant guidance.
- Management isn’t failure—it’s responsible ownership. Using a crate or leash in situations where a dog isn’t ready for full independence can prevent behavioral issues and even injuries.
Kati also shares a cautionary tale about a dog owner who failed to manage their reactive dog, leading to an unprovoked attack on her husband. She emphasizes that proper management protects both dogs and people.
The takeaway? Structure leads to freedom. By investing in training and being consistent, you set your dog up for success, reduce stress, and create a safer, more enjoyable relationship.
Contact Kati Peppe or read more about her philosophy. Read more about E-Collar technologies here.