training
| Training
Programs Available: |
|
| Private Lessons | $85 |
| Boot Camp- 1 week | $475 |
All programs include basic obedience, manners, and socialization.
Training is an important component of your dog's overall health
and safety. Since you take your dog to the Vet (medical), take
your dog into your heart (emotional), and take your dog to exercise,
should you not take your dog to work? I do not mean your work. I mean
provide for him a job so he can be mentally strong. Dogs deserve to
be balanced. Balancing your dog's life provides your home with a trusting,
respectful and well-mannered pet.
Which program you choose depends on your skill, time, family interrelationships
with the dog (young kids/other pets) and the origin of the dog. Please
call me or write to find out which program is for you.
What is training?
Training is about teaching your dog a list of verbs that you will implement through the use of a leash, patience, and simple communication. The list of commands would include: COME, SIT, HEEL, DOWN, STAY, OFF, LEAVE IT, BACK, QUIT, QUIET, WATCH, LET'S GO, WAIT plus a whole lot more.
Why should I train my dog?
Training sets boundaries while instilling self-esteem. This
will make your dog a proper member of your family.
How is this accomplished?
Dogs need to be given at least 15 minutes each day of formal schooling
which includes all leash work. Then while you're interacting with your
dog in a casual way the same words should be used to instill manners.
What does self-esteem have to do with dog training?
Dog of any age are like children. They naturally want to please. If
the teacher (you) make them feel good about what they are learning,
they will repeat that wanted behavior, thus establishing positive self
esteem.
Should I use treats?
Basic training should be done without anything like treats because it
is artificial. Your relationship with your dog is his reward.
What techniques should I use then?
Your dog will benefit by allowing him to drag a leash so that when you
ask him to do something and he is no t quite solid in his learning,
the leash can be used to mechanically execute the command. By giving
your dog commands even in a casual way, it's like giving your dog a
job.
What does employing my dog mean?
Think about it. When you do a job- do you not want to do it the best
you can? For one- money and two-self gratification? Well dogs think
much the same way. The difference being they do not need the extrinsic
reward (money- treat). Though treats do make a dog perform, they would
rather gain self-gratification and please you. This self-gratification
is called intrinsic reward
What is the relationship between intrinsic rewards and self esteem?
The more a dog is experiencing positive interaction in training it will
feel better about doing that command over and over again. “It
is the nature of the beast”.
What is the best way to communicate with my dog?
A dog prefers clear, simple and consistent language. Their preference
would be for you to:
1) Eliminate the word NO from your vocabulary unless it is a 911 emergency
situation.
2) Do not repeat commands
3) Do not use harsh volume
Well that seems too soft and fluffy. How does one influence a
dog without strength in hand and voice, or bait?
Remember in training you are developing an animal’s respect. It
wants to learn. It is about establishing wanted behaviors. Webster’s
dictionary defines a behavior as “an action that is quantifiable
and measurable. In order to have a dog develop and maintain good behaviors,
you must teach in a format that informs the dog as to what you want
it to do, over and over.
Behavior- Verbs- Actions
So now what? Do I expect my dog to never do anything wrong?
Your dog will make mistakes. But as a trainer (owner or handler) you
should take the initiative to teach your dog appropriate behavior. By
showing your dog the better choice and making him feel good about that
choice, then he will do his best to do that action.
Can you give me some examples?
Okay, you have a dog/puppy. In anyway that best suits you- dog school,
private lessons, a video, reading a book or whatever , teach the basics
to your dog. I will call that “formal schooling”. When you
take your dog out for a walk, don’t just walk out and back. That
is boring for a dog. Also don’t let him sniff every piece of earth,
which is disrespecting your time. Make him do stuff. As you walk down
the street, pretend you are dancing with your dog and throw in the commands.
Mix them up, vary them. Develop a relationship with your dog where he
can feel useful. Employ your dog.
Sounds like a lot of work. Suppose I don’t have a lot of
time?
You have chosen to own a dog. Just like the vaccinations, spaying/neutering,
food, water and shelter a dog deserves basic training. Pick a hallway,
driveway or do laps between two telephone poles out in front of your
house. Take ten minutes a day; develop that vocabulary with your dog.
How does dragging a leash help my dog?
Without sounding idealist a dog that is taught the basic commands during
“school time” should be executing the same commands when
in “off time”. This “off time” is not really
free time. Dogs should be on your time. When you give a command the
dog should respond right away. If you give your command clearly and
simply, your dog does not respond, use the leash to show your dog the
execution of the command you said.(Wean your dog off the leash as a
tutor when he does the commands without needing prompting. Don’t
think your dog is ignoring you or being stubborn. Remember dogs are
always in learning mode, with the leash on you have access to your dog.
This is used to remind him what the word means and to do it when told.
Here are some examples of realistic expectations of your dog's behavior:
1) Pleasant greetings when he approaches someone, without jumping.
2) When someone comes over to visit, your dog should be able to DOWN/STAY
for an appropriate amount of time.
3) Teach your dog not to jump on counters or get in the trash.
4) When your dog has good manners, you will not have to "shun"
them away into another room or be embarrassed by his behavior.
Wow that is exactly what I want my dog to do, to have manners
and respect when I say something.
How can I be sure I keep doing the right thing to make all this happen?
Remember, dog training is like parenting. Set limits, ensure a positive learning environment, teach by example, allow for errors, correct properly, and never forget- training a dog is only one step- behavior management is the second step.
Train your dog- establish wanted behavior.
Training is not an event of the day; it is a program to live
by.