At Starbucks the other day I ordered a vente, non-fat, decaf late, and the barista said "Oh you want what we call a why bother" I thought how… appropriate. It also started me thinking about what I do, dog training. What would say if someone ask me "Hey why bother"? Don't we all know how to have a dog in our lives? Isn't it really pretty simple? For some people that may in fact be true. So I started making a list of possible reasons to go ahead and Bother. Possible benefits of some formal dog training.
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Resources I recommend : 4 books , 1 online magazine and 2 newsletters. Book #1 The power of positive dog training by Pat Miller.A renowned dog trainer gives you the positive training tools you need to share a lifetime of fun, companionship, and respect with your dog. Plus, you'll get: information on the importance of observing, understanding, and reacting appropriately to your dog's body language; instructions on how to phase out the use of a clicker and treats to introduce more advanced training concepts; a diary to track progress; suggestions for treats your dog will respond to; and a glossary of training terms. Updated with the latest tools and techniques—including the clicker method Renowned dog trainer Pat Miller gives you the positive training tools you need to ensure that you and your dog share a lifetime of fun, companionship, and respect. Following her step-by-step, six-week basic training program, you'll learn how to develop a relationship with your dog based on friendship and positive reinforcement, not fear and punishment. Plus, you'll get:
For the Love of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash both by Patricia McConnell Patricia is a certified animal behavior asst and the highly recommend everything she has done. Click here to subscribe to her newsletter which is very informative. https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/join-the-pack Book # 4 The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson A revolutionary new way of understanding the relationship between humans and domestic dogs Online magazine: thewholedogjournal.com $20 yr. Access to past issues. Excellent search function. In depth articles. Outstanding contributing authors like Pat miller. Also good web site Companion animal psychology https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/?m=1 If you've decided to get some training for your dog, what goals might you have in mind? Most people think in terms of gaining control and getting an obedient dog. I would like to suggest that you think about what you would like your dog to "be"as opposed to what your would like your dog to "do".
While these things go together, one causes the other to happen. When we look at what a dog can "do", it puts the focus on the dog and his behavior. When we look at what a dog can "be", it puts the focus on what we humans need to do to set things up for success. This puts our overall goals in a very positive manner. The more we look at our behavior and how to make it easy and fun for our dogs to succeed, the better results we will get. Let's look at a possible list of under each category, "doing and being". What are some things we would like our dogs to "do and not do"?
So then what are some of the things we would like our dog to "be"?
So what might be the impact of an approach like this?
I would suggest that we start with what we want our dogs to be, confident, secure and ready to engage in a life with you. I think this sets us up for success. If your dog feels good he will be a natural learner. This will also sharpen your observational skills as you progress through your training. |
AuthorI am a dog trainer in Riverside California. My specialty is Companion Dog Training. Helping your dog to live in your home. Archives
September 2020
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