Tuesday Training Byte: Are you ready to transform your dog?

On a regular basis I run into people who are frustrated with their dog's bad behavior. They tell me the problems they are having and I give them a business card and tell them to call me when they are ready to set up private training or enroll in a class. The key is that an owner MUST be willing and ready to step up and commit to changing what they are doing. The typical problems are jumping up, not coming when called, nipping, pulling on the leash, and barking. Shaping behavior is a process. Once a person realizes that every interaction they have with their dog, they are training them, it can be an eye opener. Here are some tips:

Consistency: We must be sure to have clear expectations and respond in the same way with the same words. Don't tell your dog to lay one time and then lie down, or down. Decide what word you will use and stick with it. Establish a routine/schedule so your dog will know what is expected at what time.

Rewards: Be sure you are rewarding the behavior you want to see repeated. Dogs naturally want our attention and will be naughty to get it. Giving attention to your dog when he jumps on you by touching him, talking to him, looking at him will result in him jumping up more. When my dog attempts to jump on me I turn away. Once he sits nicely on his own, I reward (praise, pet, eye contact, treats) the calm sitting. The game is to catch your dog being good even though you didn't ask for it.

Start small: A dog must be good at the stay while on leash for a very short duration with you only a couple of steps away before you can expect him to master the off leash stay while you walk out the door. The same with the recall. Don't expect your dog to come when called when outside and off leash when he hasn't mastered the recall on leash from 5 feet away.

Commitment: This means setting training as a priority. Frequent but short sessions will have better results. Make sure that your dog's exercise and mental stimulation needs are being met. Train for five minutes in the house without distractions before training in a place outside with lots of distractions. Sign up for a Canine Good Citizen class or STAR Puppy class to get the help from a qualified and experienced trainer. And have fun!

Happy training!