Recently a man called and scheduled a private in-home training session for his dog. He needed help modifying a particular behavior problem he was having with his dog.

I entered the house to discover his Boston terrier on the table eating from a plate and I thought, “That must be why I’m here.” The gentleman explained to me he and his dog eat all of their meals together and he had no problem with his dog joining him at or on the table. He lived alone and really enjoyed sharing mealtimes with his dog.

He called our company to him stop his dog from pulling while on walks. So we worked on getting the loose lead walk.

If you enjoy your dog’s behavior, then it is not a problem to you. Many people sheepishly tell me, “He’s so spoiled.” Interpreted to mean they enjoy their dog’s behavior and their time together, therefore it’s not a problem. Unfortunately some dog trainers make blanket statements like never let your dog sleep on your bed or you must enter the house first. The truth is many people enjoy sharing their bed with their dog and it doesn’t matter who enters the house first unless there’s true aggression involved.

Sadly, many dog trainers put so many rules on what they believe is acceptable dog behavior, people are afraid to admit they like their dog sleeping with them or enjoying a meal, yes, even if it’s on the table. There are people who enjoy their dog’s greeting upon their arrival home to include jumping. If you enjoy your dog’s greeting behavior that includes jumping, then jumping isn’t a problem.

Some people demand their dog to walk right beside them on daily walks. In fact, a true heel was meant to be used in obedient competition and was never intended for dogs to perform on leisurely walks.

Fortunately, most people realize this and don’t force their dog to walk right beside them. These people take delight in seeing their dogs enjoy their walks and want them to have enough freedom to sniff and see the sights. They know the dog’s physical exercise is just part of a quality life. They simply ask not to be dragged down the sidewalk.

There is no reason to demand your dog walk behind you or even right next to your side. The walk needs to be fun for both you and your dog. Too many rules on how and where your dog should walk will have neither of you enjoying the time together. If it’s not fun, the walks will eventually end, and without exercise real unwanted behavior problems will develop.

One person’s behavior problem is another person’s quality time with their dog. While most of us wouldn’t want our dog standing on the table eating from a plate, I know of at least one person who does enjoy it. Ultimately, you get to decide what is and is not appropriate behavior for your dog, as long as that behavior is not harmful or dangerous for the dog, other dogs or other people.

Tip of the week: If there’s something you would like to change about your dog’s behavior, find a positive reinforcement trainer to help you.

Bark questions to: Canine Companion, 11652 North - 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or e-mail info@caninecompanion.us.

Canine Companion conducts dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities and behavior consulting nationwide. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsement by national organizations, the trainers are all graduates of Purdue University’s DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.