Q&A
When should I start training my dog?
Start now. As soon as you bring that new dog or puppy home take it to where you want it to relieve itself. Begin adding structure right out of the blocks.Teach your dog to sit before eating, wait before going through doors, etc. It is much easier to teach what you want now than to undo problems later.
My dog thinks it is the boss of me. What can I do?
You must promote yourself to an upper management position. This means that you control situations and the environment. Use tools such as a crate, baby gates, tethers, exercise pens, a leash, to keep the pup out of trouble. Teach an off and on switch- sit before eating, greeting and so on. Your dog should not be allowed to write its own job description.
Is there math involved in training my dog?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. If you train a dog for 15 minutes a day, how long do I have to keep her out of trouble the rest of the day? The answer is 23 hours and 45 minutes. Dogs are paying attention full time and learning all the time, not just when we bring out the leash and treats. Make sure they are not practicing bad habits outside training sessions.
How do I teach my dog to come when called?
Practice. Practice. And Practice some more. A wise person once said, “the more you practice, the luckier you get.” Develop a MDRR (Minimum Daily Recall Requirement) habit. This regimen includes 20- 30 recalls every day. Calling the dog back and forth, working the dog when hungry, calling the dog away from distractions, hide and seek, supplementing with the touch command are a few ways to solidify a recall.
What us the best equipment to outfit my dog with?
There is an incredible amount of doggy bling and accessories available. Here are three pieces of equipment that I often recommend, depending on the needs of individual dogs and people. The first is a martingale collar from which a dog cannot escape whether pirouetting about or pulling backwards. Second is a harness that attaches on the dog’s chest. This type of harness helps to at least moderate a pulling dog’s behavior for many people. A Gentle Leader is the third tool. Not for every dog, some people say they get great control and can go where they’ve never gone before.
Will reading books help me with training my dog?
Obviously, dogs don’t need to read books to expertly train their owners. I once witnessed a tiny Papillon sit on a couch and direct his two eager owners, on hands and knees, to retrieve toys placed under furniture. We learn by hearing and watching but by far the best way to learn is by doing. However, books can help us develop a deeper understanding. Two wonderful books are The Dog Vinci Code by John Rogerson and Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor.
My dog works only when I have a treat in my hand. What can I do?
For a dog demanding to see payment up front put the treat behind your back or on a table or shelf. Once a behavior is strong do not treat every time. You do not want to depend on treats. Try using low level treats such as kibble - the equivalent of a dog working for minimum wage. Use union wages for more challenging behaviors. You can also employ balls, toys and games such as tug as rewards. Real life rewards such as going through the door after sitting or being allowed to sniff as a reward for sitting while on a walk work well (but you might start with treats).
Is playing tug with my dog ok?
Playing tug is not for everyone. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it. Young children should not play tug. Many dogs are so into this game it seems you could whip them around over your head with the tug toy. However, if you follow certain rules, teaching tug is a good way to teach control of his mouth. First- you start the game with a cue, such as ‘tug’ or ‘pull’. The dog should wait for this signal. Second- the dog should release the toy first time every time when so directed. Third- have the dog sit. He can and should learn control when excited. Fourth- if he ever puts his teeth on you, the game is over. Teeth are for toys.