Crack down tight or ease back into tough training

[codglvr]

I'll admit it, we were much more slack with the dogs after Saga's leg was amputated. Now that she is gone, I know we need to kick it up a couple of notches.
I have been easing back into higher expectations. For example I am back to expecting sits for treats and food without breaking. Down stay for our son's entire meal (14 mo old and dog near by = fat dog).
There are other activities I need to break Balder of: sleeping on the couch, bolting out the door as he did last night for the first time in a long time , barking at things he doesn't like ie the cat walking too close to him on the stairs, and his call backs have slipped as well.
Am I doing more harm by easing back into a rigid lifestyle? This is our "issue" dog who has fear issues. thanks

[Judi W]

Neither. Simply start back on twice a day, brief training sessions. He has "unlearned" what he knew before so you should pretty much start from scratch keeping in mind he will get up to speed more quickly than if he had nothing for a foundation. In all fairness, you would not crack down on him when you yourself have been teaching him that the rules didn't count anymore. Start from scratch, be fair and don't pamper nor unduly crack down.

Yes, get his fat butt off the couch where it did not belong in the first place.

[codglvr]

Thanks Judi, back at it and I kicked him off it at lunch, and staged things to keep him off it until we get it back into his head.

[SABELLESMOM]

Just here to wish you the best of luck in getting him back on track. Sorry Saga is gone. I'm sure he'll be a perfect "gentleman" in no time!