Using Wait to Create a Habit of Politeness
For most dogs, consistent expectation and enforcement of polite behavior leads to that behavior becoming habit, or part of the normal routine, very quickly. However, if it's going to be your dog's habit to be polite, then you have to make it your habit to make sure you're giving her the direction she needs to make it happen.
How Your Self-Control Helps
You don't have to fight or treat your dog harshly to teach him to wait. In fact, if you get frustrated and scream or lose control, chances are your dog is going to respond in kind. If nobody is in control, then, well, nobody is in control. A calm, assertive demeanor and an “It's just going to be my way” attitude are essential.
Your dog is probably not purposely trying to defy you when he rushes to get to something he wants. By his rules of “normal,” to the victor go the spoils. Be the victor by managing him to encourage cooperation.
It's not fair to your dog or your training program to sometimes let it slide if your dog doesn't wait or breaks position before being released. You don't want your dog wondering if you really mean it this time, or if your commands are really just suggestions. Mean it every time, or don't bother using the command at all.
When he knows that you are simply going to wait for him to do the right thing, and make it impossible for him to be rewarded by doing the wrong thing, sit, wait, and eye contact will become his default (and polite!)way to ask permission for the things he wants rather than being pushy and demanding.
The wait command is commonly used in performance events like obedience trials not just to keep the dog in position temporarily, but also to let her know that another command, like a recall or a retrieve, is coming soon. You can use the wait command in your training to add challenge to your commands by moving farther away from your dog before giving a command, or even disappearing around a corner before calling her to you.
Recognizing and Testing Habits
You'll know polite behavior is becoming your dog's habit when you don't have to prompt her with a command or help to do it. For example, when you hold up her leash, does your dog sit and wait politely for you to snap it on her collar without being asked? If you pause before opening the door, does she automatically sit and wait, expecting that the command will come? When you see that she is automatically offering polite behavior before you have a chance to ask for it, it's time to start challenging her with distraction, higher-value temptations, or the need for longer duration. Always progress gradually, building on success.
