I have been blessed with dogs my entire life! Starting with our family pet, Taffy, then in the show ring an energetic Golden Retriever named Jake, then on to raising several puppies for Guide Dogs for The Blind, which we did for about of 15 years. Over the years I’ve been called a professional trainer because several people paid me to train their dog. Through all these wonderful experiences I’ve learned several things about training dogs that I think holds true no matter what type of “training” you’re doing – a new puppy; a family pet; or a rescue dog.
In my article, “Primary Needs of Dogs”, I talk about how important it is to think in terms of the entire dog – their body; mind; and spirit. This perspective will provide the framework for everything we do with our dogs. Remember, training is not bullying or bribing your dog to do what you want them to do, even though that is the goal. They have to trust you first. Are you trustworthy? Do you provide leadership rather than threatening or forcing them to do what you want them to do? Training, or guiding/instructing, takes into account who we are as well as all areas of who they are starting with their heart and spirit.
It's important to first start with your attitude, which is what your dog picks up, not just in your words but in your energy and body language. Do you get angry when they don’t “obey” or do what you are asking them to do? It’s important that you are clear with your requests to them along with how you are asking.
In order for your dog to trust you, it’s vital that you establish leadership so you are trustworthy. The way you do that is to ALWAYS be CALM, FIRM, and CONSISTENT with her at all times. It is very important to show and maintain leadership before affection — she must earn affection as I discussed in the “Primary Needs” article. A calm leader will provide him with the security he needs to be remain stable, secure, and happy. Remember to reward the calm behavior with affection, i.e., when he is laying down tell him, “good boy” and pet him.
Sometimes your dog will test your leadership just to make sure you are being consistent. Remember when you are correcting this disobedience strongly, you are only being theatrical with your voice and not feeling angry or negative. Your goal is to indicate enough disapproval so that he clearly understands your disappointment in his behavior right away. If you learn to do this effectively, you will avoid the possibility that any negative behavior escalates or gets out of control.
Here are 5 important areas in which to consistently confirm your leadership when teaching your dog:
1. Walks — In the wild, a pack of dogs are always on the move. They are either hunting or looking for a place to bed down. As the pack leader you replicate this important process through a daily walk. A walk does not mean you take them out to sniff everything they want to sniff. It means she is on a leash and you are walking at a good pace and not stopping. If a walk coincides with a bathroom break, ask her to do that first. Hopefully, you have taught her to relieve herself with the command, “business” or something along those lines. Then it’s on to the 30-45 minute walk, which is good for both of you. Remember to maintain control and not let him do whatever he wants—no running, sniffing, walking ahead of you, or greeting other dogs or people without your permission. This is an important training session and play comes later as a reward.
2. Stay — End all play sessions, whatever they are for you and your dog, with the command, “down” or “sit” followed by “stay”. This allows him to calm down and for him to see that play time does not mean he is now in charge. Remember to release him from the “stay” command.
3. Feeding — Before feeding her, let her see you eat something first. This is what the alpha/leader of the pack does in the wild and she respects that. When you are ready to put her food down ask her to sit, put her food down, and then when she looks up at you, then tell her “ok”.
4. Sleep — In the wild, the alpha/leader always sleeps at a higher level. This helps the leader to see any potential danger coming and thus protect the pack. Do the same with your dog. Do not allow her to sleep on your bed or get up on couches for a nap. This will just confuse her because she’ll wonder if you are giving up your leadership role. There are times when I get on the floor to lay with her and we hug. That helps fulfill in me (and her) that desire to cuddle. The one time I allowed one of my dogs up on my bed, it really resulted in a lot of disobedience. I’ve learned to not open that door.
5. Toys — When puppies are playing with their litter mates, it’s the strongest puppy who keeps the toy. Since we don’t want to give mixed messages, when you are done playing with her with toys, you keep the toy. You can always put the toy down later for her but not directly after play. She needs to know that she did not “win” the toy due to her strength and dominance.
For her mental and emotional health, don’t give mixed messages. Be a strong, firm and loving leader. It’s really important for her long-term health that she feels safe and secure. This comes from you – your heart, spirit, and desire to want to give her your very best!
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