Nothing In Life Is Free or NILIF is a relationship building training program.  Your dog will learn that all good things come from you - his leader!  Establishing leadership is about building a relationship based on mutual trust, respect and clear communication, not dominance and intimidation.

Nothing In Life Is Free: Rules to Live By

1. If your dog wants something from you, he must do something for you.  Ask your dog to perform a behavior such as Sit or Down before you feed him, let him outside or inside, give him toys or treats, give him attention, etc.

2. Be consistent!  For best results apply all the elements of NILIF, not just the most convenient.  If you are consistent, good behavior will become a habit for your dog.

3. Your dog will be hand fed at least one meal a day.  This helps to develop a strong relationship between you and your dog, lets your dog know that food comes from you and helps to prevent food guarding.  Do not “free feed” your dog.

4. Your dog will receive a Dog Inspection once a day.

5. Your game, your rules!  Provide free access to chew toys, but keep interactive toys such as balls or tug toys put away.  Bring these toys out only when you want to play with your dog.  Your dog should not be allowed to mouth or bite you in an attempt to get the toy and should release the toy when asked.

6. You control comfortable sleeping/resting places.  If your dog is allowed on furniture he should have to wait to be invited up and should jump off when asked to.

7. Charging through doors, up and down steps or out gates is not permitted. Your dog should be asked to Sit or Down and Wait until you call him or allow him to go.

8. Work off energy.  Dogs by nature are exploring, investigative and curious animals.  Many breeds of dogs were created to work all day.  Provide as many different outlets as possible for your dog’s energy.  A tired dog is a good dog!

9. Attention seeking behaviors don’t work.  Some dogs become quite pushy about attention, demanding that you pet him by pawing, nudging and/or barking.  Ignore attention seeking behavior rather then pushing your dog away or scolding him.

(For more information refer to the article "Nothing In Life Is Free" on this website.)