I'm not a professional dog trainer or a dog whisperer. But, I work with dogs every day in my animal rescue. As you can imagine, 99.9% of them are completely untrained. In fact, research shows that the number one reason dogs are abandoned, surrendered to animal shelters or even euthanized is due to behavior issues. In other words, a lack of training.
Most rescues don't seem to have a clue what a leash is when they first come to me, nor do they have any interest in finding out!
But, what I can tell you is this: everything I will tell you about dog training made simple is what I have learned and tested on the most difficult subjects: rescue dogs.
Most rescues come with their own baggage -- and we're not talking carry on, but massive trunks! -- emotional scars and issues from being abandoned and outcast -- many of them after having first been a loved member of a family.
Some are frightened, some are overly submissive and some are aggressive. All of them have a burning desire to please and to fit in with a pack. They just don't know how.
You have to learn how to motivate your dog to behave the way you want her to. Dogs learn best by positive reinforcement. Punishment should be used sparingly, and should be very subtle. For instance, what your dog wants most is acceptance and attention. The best way to let him know when his behavior is not acceptable is by ignoring the inappropriate behavior. Conversely, the best way to let your dog know when her behavior is appropriate is to praise her.
Early in training, you want to praise frequently with treats, clicks, words and touch. As time goes by, and your dog begins to learn the behavior you are trying to teach, you will praise less. The object is to have our dog continue appropriate behavior without needing a reward -- especially the edible kind.
The most important thing you can do to help motivate your dog to be good, is to be patient and consistent. Training your dog doesn't have to be a time-consuming project. But, it does take some time. You may not achieve overnight success, but most commands can be learned in a matter of days.
Most rescues don't seem to have a clue what a leash is when they first come to me, nor do they have any interest in finding out!
But, what I can tell you is this: everything I will tell you about dog training made simple is what I have learned and tested on the most difficult subjects: rescue dogs.
Most rescues come with their own baggage -- and we're not talking carry on, but massive trunks! -- emotional scars and issues from being abandoned and outcast -- many of them after having first been a loved member of a family.
Some are frightened, some are overly submissive and some are aggressive. All of them have a burning desire to please and to fit in with a pack. They just don't know how.
You have to learn how to motivate your dog to behave the way you want her to. Dogs learn best by positive reinforcement. Punishment should be used sparingly, and should be very subtle. For instance, what your dog wants most is acceptance and attention. The best way to let him know when his behavior is not acceptable is by ignoring the inappropriate behavior. Conversely, the best way to let your dog know when her behavior is appropriate is to praise her.
Early in training, you want to praise frequently with treats, clicks, words and touch. As time goes by, and your dog begins to learn the behavior you are trying to teach, you will praise less. The object is to have our dog continue appropriate behavior without needing a reward -- especially the edible kind.
The most important thing you can do to help motivate your dog to be good, is to be patient and consistent. Training your dog doesn't have to be a time-consuming project. But, it does take some time. You may not achieve overnight success, but most commands can be learned in a matter of days.