How to Train Your Dog Like a Professional
Dog Training and Behavior Made Easy With These Simple Tips
Aug 9, 2009
There are almost as many dog training methods as there are professional dog trainers. Some train with treats, some think training with praise is best and some think clicker-training your dog is the only way to train. Which ever method you use to train your dog, the most successful training program is going to contain some key underlying concepts.
Dogs, by their nature, want to please us. We have, over the years, created a highly malleable companion and working partner. Just for a moment, think of all the different things we can train a dog to do. It's not hard to come up with a lengthy list. Whether you want a well-mannered companion to take walks and watch tv with or are training for competition obedience these tips on training your dog will ensure your success and your dog's happiness.
Understanding Your Dog
Your dog does not speak English, therefore you must learn to speak dog. That's not so hard as it sounds. Spend some time observing your dog; when you are interacting with her, when she's with other dogs and by herself. Pay attention to your dog's posture; the set of his ears and tail, the expression in his eye, the position of his head. What do her vocalizations sound like? Are they deep and growling or high pitched? Are they happy or menacing? Dogs have a rich language of body posture, and are exquisite interpreters of your own body language. You'll find that with a little practice, you can learn to read your dog's moods, and understand what she's 'saying' when she woofs and tilts her head at you. You can even learn to 'talk' back with your own body positioning.
Training is also a means of communication. You are communicating your wishes to your dog, and your dog communicates his understanding through compliance. This is not, however, a discussion of the latest episode of American Idol, with shades and nuances to the exchange. With dog training, the communication needs to be clear, brief and direct. There is no give and take. You give the command, the dog does it. Commands should be given the same way every time, in the same tone of voice. If a hand signal is used, use it consistently. You should practice giving commands in a calm and confident tone of voice.
What the Professional Dog Trainer Knows
There are 3 components to a successful training session and a well-trained, happy canine companion. Consistency, Timing and a Calm and Positive Attitude. Master these 3 elements and your dog will be trained.
Be consistent with your dog. You cannot allow your dog to jump up on you when you're wearing jeans and scream at him when he does it just before you go out to dinner. He doesn't know the difference between denim and silk and can't understand why you yell at him for one and smile and praise him for the other. If you are not consistent, it will confuse your dog.
Decide ahead of time what you want from training. Think about what you want to accomplish by training your dog. Most people want their dog to sit, stay and come when called, but do you want him on the furniture or not? Can she jump up on you? What's his behavior in the house going to look like? Deciding ahead of time will help you avoid problems down the road.
Be consistent with your commands, use the same word or phrase for just one behavior and only give the command once. If you want your dog to sit, you say 'sit' one time only. If you repeat commands, you will break down all your hard work of training it.
Timing is critical. It makes or breaks training. Give praise at the wrong time and you've trained the wrong behavior. For example, if you've asked your dog to sit, and she does, but then starts to get back up again and you tell her "Good Dog!" what have you trained? Getting up out of the 'sit' you asked for! You haven't trained a 'sit' you've trained 'get up' because of when you praised her. You must carefully time when you praise, or reward, your dog.
Think Zen-like for Dog Training
Be sure you are calm and in a positive frame of mind when you work with your dog. Think about it: is your boss easy-going or a tense type-A? Which would you rather work for? When you are training your dog, leave your anger and frustrations behind. What ever you are feeling will travel down the leash and your dog will pick up on it and react to it.
Remember, your dog is supremely sensitive to your body language, down to your tight jaw and clenched hands on the leash. Cultivate a happy, relaxed and fun atmosphere when you are training your dog. Keep sessions short and always end on a good note. You will accomplish more and your dog will retain his training better. You both will look forward to training sessions.
To Train Your Dog
Requires an investment of time and effort on your part. It is fun and rewarding but consistency, careful timing and a calm demeanor are critical to success. You will be surprised to find how easy it is with a little practice, and you will avoid behavior problems by stopping them before they ever start.
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