It seems to me that the NILIF philosophy revolves around controlling the access of resources that the dog wants. Does this mean that I should leave no toys on the floor and bring them out when I see fit?

It really depends on what your pups triggers or motivations are.

For the most part the answer is no. You can leave toys on the floor or in a designated spot of the house your pup stores them in or plays around in. There is no harm in that.

UNLESS your pup isn't food motivated and instead is play or toy motivated. If the only way you can reinforce behavior is indeed through toys, or a specific toy (tennis balls, retrieving ducks, ect.) then you should limit access to those so they retain their HIGH VALUE to your pup.

NILIF is just about asking for a small favor or a show of respect before you let have something that really isn't theirs to begin with as it requires action on your part (You are the one feeding them, You are the one letting them out or taking them on walks, You are the one giving them treats).

A toy is already theirs so unless it is really high value, and you feel it will help you in the process I wouldn't worry about it to much.

Hope that makes sense, and it's really just the way I see NILIF training. Others are more strict, others are more relaxed. You'll know what works best for you in time

~Chris~

ETA - In addendum a Bored pup is a naughty pup... If toys can occupy their minds and stop destruction by all means leave them all over the place....

I agree with Chris, it all depends on the owner/ dog. I leave Cally's toys and bones out and around the house but when eating I make sure she is laying down, if she lays the whole time she gets a treat. When going outside I make sure she sits and waits for me to walk through the door first- if she does this and waits for my release command to come out then she gets to go out, if not- she has to wait until she does so properly and then she realizes by sitting and waiting, she gets to go out sooner. I do this with everything, even just playing fetch outside. Majority of the time, we will make her sit before we throw the ball

I always make Sky sit before we do anything. The one thing I realized I'd been doing somewhat wrong is letting her come to me when she wants attention, not when I want to give her attention. Even though I'll make her sit before we start playing, she'll often bring her toys over to me.

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The one thing I realized I'd been doing somewhat wrong is letting her come to me when she wants attention, not when I want to give her attention. Even though I'll make her sit before we start playing, she'll often bring her toys over to me.

Like I said it all depends on how you want to handle it. Some are more strict with it, others are more relaxed.

I don't have a problem with the girls coming up to me and resting their heads on my lap when they want to be pet, or played with. In my mind they are like anyone else and sometimes just need a scratch, or hug, or to be rough housed with and I oblige.

If I'm busy or really can't, I ignore and they walk off after some time.

But if we are just sitting down watching TV and they want some affection I'll gladly invite them up for some pets.

I'm a firm believer in having a co-existence with my animals. I'm not their alpha, I'm not their master, we just happen to live in the same household. Living in my household comes with certain rules and boundaries I expect to be followed and respected though.

As long as those rules are met and respected and my animals conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner, I see no reason not to give into their needs for fun and entertainment. If they want to play with me, or be pet, or snuggle, and they ask in a manner in which isn't high energy or rude they are given as much as I can.

Again thats just me and my point of view....
~Chris~