🐾 Training Guide: No More Freebies

Teach your dog respect, patience, and self-control—one “wait” at a time. This simple but powerful training method helps you and your family become the calm, confident leaders your dog needs.

💡 What Is “No More Freebies?"

Dogs respect those who control access to what they want. When you stop giving food, toys, and affection “for free,” and instead require a simple behavior like sit before your dog gets anything, everything changes. Your dog begins to look to you for permission instead of acting on impulse.

🎯 Goal: Self-Control, Not Obedience

This isn’t about forcing a “stay.” It’s about teaching your dog that waiting politely is the key to getting what they want. Instead of using physical restraint, you’ll guide your dog to learn for themselves that calm, respectful behavior brings rewards.

🛠️ How to Teach “Wait”

You’ll need:

Your dog
A treat or food bowl
Patience 😄

Steps:

Ask your dog to sit.
Show the reward. Let your dog know you’ve got something they want.
Say “Wait.” Use a calm, firm voice.
Place the reward nearby (on the floor or in your hand). Don’t let go yet!
If your dog moves—remove the reward. No yelling. Just calmly pick it up or hide it.
Reset and repeat until your dog waits.
Say “Go!” and let them have the reward once they remain still.

🎯 TIP: Timing is everything. Don’t say “Go” if they’re already moving. Wait for calm stillness, then release.

🏠 Real-Life Practice

Use the “wait” cue before:

Meals 🍽️
Going outside 🚪
Playtime 🎾
Getting affection or attention 💖

You’re not denying your dog—you’re teaching them how to earn what they want.

👶 Kids Can Help Too

Dogs know kids are “junior” members of the family. But that doesn’t mean they can’t earn respect from your dog!

Let kids hold treats in their closed fist. The rule?

Dog must not take the treat until the child says “Go!”

If the dog lunges, the child lifts the treat and waits for the dog to sit calmly again.

This helps dogs learn to be gentle and polite—even with the smallest humans in the house.

🚧 Troubleshooting Tips

❌ Dog doesn’t move after “Go”?

Repeat the cue gently or gesture toward the reward to help them connect the dots.

❌ Dog gets up before being released?

Just reset. Don’t reward the lunge. Patience wins.

❌ Puppy loses focus?

Make the reward more exciting (try tapping the bowl or switching to a high-value treat).

❌ Dominant dog rebels?

Stay firm. No wait = no reward. Ignore tantrums and stay consistent. He’ll get it.

🔁 Reinforcement Is Key

Reward calm, patient behavior immediately. Don’t make your dog wait too long—especially early in training. If you do, you might accidentally punish the very behavior you're trying to teach.

✅ What Success Looks Like

You’ll know it’s working when:

Your dog offers a sit before you even ask
They look to you before making decisions
They respond calmly and wait for permission

This builds a respectful, thoughtful, and well-mannered dog—and a peaceful household.

🌟 Final Word

Training your dog to wait is about building a relationship based on respect and communication. You’re not just teaching manners—you’re teaching your dog that you matter.

And when your dog understands that, everything gets easier.