It is ironic that owners go to great lengths to train their dog NOT to come when called, and then proceed to complain about it. They expect their dog to just drop everything its doing and instantly come racing over to them without any proper training techniques. The first thing your going to have to do is undo the methods previously planted into the mind of your dog. Then proceed with kindergarten level obedience before achieving the results you desire.
The worst practice you as the owner may engage in is letting their dog off leash and unattended. Whether the dog is running in the park, romping up and down the backyard or playing with other dogs, the dog is learning that these good times do not include the owner. In fact, it is always the owner who ruins the fun by ordering the dog to “Come.” When the dog obediently comes to the owner, his leash is promptly attached and he’s on his way back home. This is not a good outcome from the dog’s perspective. So on each successive outing, the dog delays coming when called because by delaying, he is prolonging his off leash experience.
When the owner repeatedly calls the dog and he does not come, then the dog is learning that he doesn’t have to come or at least he doesn’t need to come until he is called over a thousand times. The dog has now learned that ignoring the owner is much more rewarding than to obey. This is definitely a losing situation. If the dog comes, he feels he is being punished for coming because his off leash fun has ended. If the dog doesn’t come, he is learning that by not responding to your command, he is being self-rewarded for ignoring you.
A very frustrated owner feels the need to punish the dog for not coming when called. Because the owner does not know how to punish the dog while it is running away, the owner punishes the dog when he eventually returns. In result, the next time the dog will take much longer to come back because not only does it end the fun but it also now means outright punishment from the owner if he does cooperate. In the end, just remember that you are in fact dealing with an animal mentality.
New Year’s Resolution: Commit to being a Better Dog Owner in 2011
Ringing in the New Year brings forth new, positive commitments in your life. You are going to eat right, exercise and build a stronger bond between you and your dog. But how do you begin to improve your relationship with your pet? It is already solid. There are ways to enhance quality time with your dog and it is through dog training. Here are the top three essential dog training tips ensuring training time is a positive experience for the two of you to share.
Remain Patient
Becoming angry at a dog does not compute. Dogs do not understand why you are reacting in a negative manner. Ditch any type of training that involves yelling or being aggressive with your pet. It is not healthy for either of you to be in this situation. Instead, focus on the rewards and desirable behavior your dog exhibits while ignoring the negative. Your dog will eventually learn the positive behavior. For positive behavior means affection, attention, treats and play time. It leaves the negative actions to the past.
Stay Positive
This coincides with maintaining patience with your dog. If you become frustrated, then the emotions will disrupt the training process. If this happens, take a break. Step away from training and return when you are able to gain a positive outlook on the training session. This is a time to bond with your dog in an uplifting environment.
Howling is a communication tool used by some dogs. It is sometimes used as a warning sign to alert others about a dangerous presence in the area. But there are other dogs that use howling as a means of desperation. It can be a sign of separation anxiety or a means to inform of pain from an injury. But what do you do with a dog that howls too much? How do you get your dog to stop? A Florida dog obedience instructor would be able to guide you through on the positive reinforcement techniques discussed in today’s blog. In the meantime, use this as a guide to get you started in the right direction.
Stop Howling with Positive Reinforcement
If your dog howls as a means to seek attention, then use positive reinforcement to reward desired behavior and ignore the negative. For instance, whenever your dog howls, ignore your pet. This is tough for your dog could continue to howl. However, as soon as your dog stops howling and is silent, reward your dog with pet treats and praise. Keep repeating this technique until your dog starts to remain silent. Your dog will catch on that remaining silent equals positive rewards. It won’t take long for your dog to figure this out.
The key in stopping howling is to remain consistent in implementing positive reinforcement. To find out more about how to stop your dog from howling, enroll in a k9 obedience class today.
It is ironic that owners go to great lengths to train their dog NOT to come when called, and then proceed to complain about it. They expect their dog to just drop everything its doing and instantly come racing over to them without any proper training techniques. The first thing your going to have to do is undo the methods previously planted into the mind of your dog. Then proceed with kindergarten level obedience before achieving the results you desire.
