Dog Training - Teaching The "Enough" Command

A couple of days ago we posted an article about dog training to stop whining by using the "enough" command. So we thought it might be useful today to talk about teaching the command.

We have talked many times about teaching when the opportunity arises. This is one of those commands that falls into that catagory. While it may seem similar, "enough" is actually very different from "no". They need to be used differently so you don't confuse your pet. "No" should mean that whatever your pet is doing is forbidden at all times. "Enough" means what he is doing was OK, but now it is time to stop.

To teach "enough" you'll need to wait until he is going to far with something. For example, if there's a noise at the door and he runs to the door and barks. Maybe in your house this is a "no" but we prefer "enough". We like our Miniature Pinscher to alert us if somebody is there. But if he's still barking after 30 second to a minute, it's time for him to stop. This is when we use the command "enough".

This dog training begins with a deep but not too loud saying of his name followed by "enough". The response from most dogs is that they will turn and look at you. It's as if he's waiting for a response. Give it to him by praising him immediately for stopping the barking and looking at you. If and and most cases when he resumes barking, repeat "enough" with a more assertive voice and again praise him when he stops to look at you.

If he is a more incessant barker, you should grab his collar and give it a gentle shake or jerk, followed by repeating the command. Again, don't forget the praise when he stops.

If he still hasn't gotten the message and starts barking again, it's time to repeat the shake or jerk. This time be slightly more forceful, obviously being careful not to hurt your pet. You want it to be unpleasant, but don't get caried away. You will then take him away from the door, checking occasionally to make sure he does not sneak back.

Follow this dog training method and he will quickly learn the meaning of "enough". But you'll want to practice it in a number of situations and not just door barking so he doesn't get the impression that it only applies in this one instance.

You can use it in dog whining like we discussed a couple of days ago. Use it when you are playing and you feel like stopping or when he gets too excited during play and gets too rough or starts mouthing. Say his name and "enough" and stop the play. If necessary, grab him and hold him until he looks at you, then say the command. Repeat this until he gets the message.

Other uses for the command are when giving him treats, playing fetch or any other outing. Through this dog training, your dog will quickly learn that "enough" means that what he was doing was OK at the time, but needs to stop for the time being.

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