Dog training is time consuming and rewarding. Dog training has, as its basis, communication between two species; it involves give and take at both ends of the leash. We who have dogs are constantly training whether it is intentional or not. If we are sporadic in our training, it leads to confusion and sporadic behavior from our dogs. If you spend just a few minutes a day in deliberate training - as opposed to inadvertent training - you will have a dog that is well behaved and friendly.
There are many different dog training techniques practiced today. Some people maintain a dog needs discipline and will reprimand a behavior that is less than desired. Others think that ignoring unwanted behavior but recognizing and praising the sought after behavior is best. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to train a dog except when it comes to abuse. There is no excuse for that.
Dogs are like people in that they have different temperaments and personalities. Working with a dog the size and willingness of a Golden Retriever or Border Collie will be quite different than a Whippet or Siberian. Training a small breed takes different tools than does a Saint Bernard or Great Dane. The rationale behind the tools, however, is the same.
Tools that transcend size, temperament and willingness are the human body and voice. Dogs are very adept at reading body language and hearing meaning behind words. The tone of voice is more effective than any specific word and a dog is quick to recognizing if someone actually means what they are saying. Shouting at a dog conveys anger; a high pitched voice - usually saying something silly - relaxes and encourages most dogs. Training is best done using a neutral, yet authoritative tone and when the command that has been given is carried out, softening that tone lets the dog know he has done what you want.
You always have your voice with you. You may forget treats or have a situation come up where your training devices aren't available. A firm tone of voice will usually replace the unavailable device, at least for the moment.
As with our voices, dogs recognize our posture and can read our bodies amazingly well. They look at our eyes, our physical stance denoting relaxation or tension and, combined with our tone of voice, respond to the situation depending upon their degree of their training.
The next time you are working with your dog check out your tone. Do you like what you hear? If not, a change may be in order.
There are many different dog training techniques practiced today. Some people maintain a dog needs discipline and will reprimand a behavior that is less than desired. Others think that ignoring unwanted behavior but recognizing and praising the sought after behavior is best. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to train a dog except when it comes to abuse. There is no excuse for that.
Dogs are like people in that they have different temperaments and personalities. Working with a dog the size and willingness of a Golden Retriever or Border Collie will be quite different than a Whippet or Siberian. Training a small breed takes different tools than does a Saint Bernard or Great Dane. The rationale behind the tools, however, is the same.
Tools that transcend size, temperament and willingness are the human body and voice. Dogs are very adept at reading body language and hearing meaning behind words. The tone of voice is more effective than any specific word and a dog is quick to recognizing if someone actually means what they are saying. Shouting at a dog conveys anger; a high pitched voice - usually saying something silly - relaxes and encourages most dogs. Training is best done using a neutral, yet authoritative tone and when the command that has been given is carried out, softening that tone lets the dog know he has done what you want.
You always have your voice with you. You may forget treats or have a situation come up where your training devices aren't available. A firm tone of voice will usually replace the unavailable device, at least for the moment.
As with our voices, dogs recognize our posture and can read our bodies amazingly well. They look at our eyes, our physical stance denoting relaxation or tension and, combined with our tone of voice, respond to the situation depending upon their degree of their training.
The next time you are working with your dog check out your tone. Do you like what you hear? If not, a change may be in order.
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