GOT A NEW DOG OR PUPPY? Need some training? You don't? She's really good? That's amazing! But it's not exactly accurate.
Dog training is necessary for every dog, everywhere, young and old. Why? Because dogs have their own standards for behavior and communication with other dogs. They don't understand that some of those things are not always appropriate in a human world, so we need to teach them.
Barking, jumping, and biting: These are all ways dogs communicate with each other, but we don't want them doing that to us, so they need to learn what is and is not ok when interacting with people.
How do we do this? There are many ideas out there, but I can tell you this; positive dog training is the very best method. The days of yelling or punishing your dog are long gone, and we now know that doesn't work.
Why not? Punishing your dog creates fear - of the action (come, sit, etc.), of the environment, and most importantly of YOU.
Consider this scenario: Max is being taught to come. He doesn't. So you chase him down, hit his nose, and yell "NO, COME!" and drag him back. I don't know about you, but if I am that dog, I am never going to come to you again. I just learned that if I do, I will be punished. Now I am afraid of you. Going forward like this creates more fear, anxiety, and with those behaviors comes fight or flight. AKA biting and aggression, or running away from you. Now your dog does not trust you, he is fearful of you, and will eventually learn to fear others as well. Many dogs like this will bite in certain situations because they are afraid and feel threatened. Remember, biting is a normal behavior and a way dogs communicate.
Now consider this scenario: Max is being taught to come. He doesn't. So you stand and wait for his response. After a few minutes you repeat the request "COME!". Eventually Max realizes what you want and comes running to you. You praise him and give treats. If I am this dog, I just learned coming to you is AWESOME! I get treats, praise and love! I am learning to trust and respect you, which makes learning new things much easier and super fun!
The process: Max is on a leash or long-line. You have him "stay" or "wait", or you simply walk away, leash in hand. Start with short distances. When you give your dog any command, always say their name first to get their attention "MAX! COME!" and say it loudly and with excitement in your voice. When you give the command, he doesn't respond. So you watch him and wait. Look at him, and then the ground in front of you so he understands what you want. Keep waiting. If he is not responding, repeat the command "MAX! COME!" and again look at him and then where you want him to go. It is important to focus on what you want him to do. Wait for his response. Do not continually call him as that makes the command meaningless. You need to wait him out. Eventually Max comes running to you and you respond with "GOOD BOY, MAX! GOOD COME!" and give treats and loves. Max just learned coming to you is SUPER fun! And he gets treats when he arrives! He is bonding with you, learning trust and respect, all in that single exercise.
Remember all dogs learn at different paces, and this is never quick or easy. Always be consistent when teaching your dog new commands or tricks, and work on it every single day. Repetition and consistency are the keys to success. The reward at the end is a good dog that loves and respects you, and does not display bad behaviors such as jumping up or biting. Punishment has no place in training, and both you and your dog will be better for it.
Need help? Call us and we can refer to you to some amazing local training and behavior experts!