WHO IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD -
YOU OR YOUR DOG?

IS YOUR DOG IN CHARGE OF YOU?

OBEDIENCE TRAINING INFORMATION

Obedience Trainng – who needs it and why! While we may call it dog obedience training, in reality, it is a training system for owners to effectively communicate with their dogs, in essence, it is "people training".

Obedience training should neutralize and reverse behavioral pattern problems such as jumping on people, pulling on a leash, digging, chewing, nipping, excessive barking, etc.

To obedience train a dog, it takes time, patience, repetition, encouragement and follow-thru. Reading books, watching training videos or TV programs on obedience rarely work because every dog is different in their response to a training system and every owner needs to have a personal trainer who is able to work one-on-one with owner and dog.

Dogs need structure in order to communicate; you must be specific in what you want your dog to do. An erractic owner creates an erratic dog.

Your dog looks at you as another dog – you are either the leader of the pack or the scenery will never change. There is a very strong pack instinct in the domesticated dog.

BUYING A DOG

Always do thorough research before purchasing a dog – Is a particular dog right for your home? Do you have the same energy level? Are you willing to do the maintenance involved in that particular breed? Does the personality match your own? Many people buy the wrong dog for all the wrong reasons. Find out before you buy if your dog is Alpha or Beta – do you want a male or female, do you want a specific breed or do you want a mix.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

A professional training system should address every aspect of unwanted or undesirable behavior and redirect it to acceptable behavior.

A professional trainer should evaluate your dog before training begins, checking the dog for temperment, personality and capability. There is no such thing as one type of training fits all dogs.

The most effective training is done in your own home, in your own neighborhood and with the entire family involved. Dogs learn by working in their own environment where most of the problems occur. The owner also learns how to deal with each incident where the problem is going to occur. Any and all issues need to be confronted at the source and, when the trainer can see the problem happen right in front of them, the trainer will be able to teach the owner how to solve it right there and then on the spot.

Professional dog training should involve tolerance work, socialization, basic obedience, home manner problems and be geared to each dog’s specific needs.

A professionally trained dog should be able to be free of the leash, collar or hand. The dog should never make the decision of fight or flight but want to be next to the owner and willing to do anything for them. Your training system should teach you how to read your dog’s body language. Your dog will always physically tell you what he is about to do. All bad habits are reversible, some just take more time and patience than others.

Dog owners create their own "monsters" by allowing bad behavior to begin and continue without proper corrective direction and guidance. Stopping bad behavior must involve catching the dog in the act and in the act only. Once the crime has been committed, it is too late to reprimand your dog.

A professional dog trainer should always guarantee their training system and not charge additional monies for any additional consulting or handling. Your problem solving should only be a phone call away or, if necessary, your trainer should come back out to your home and personally work with you and your dog.

CLUB TRAINING

Hobbiest club classes usually are an ineffective way of training your dog due to too many dogs and too many owners and one amateur or club member dog trainer. Individualized training is the only truly effective program.

WISCONSIN LAW

Wisconsin has one bite law: If your dog nips anyone, your dog is considered a vicious animal and can be destroyed. The problem is all dogs have the potential to bite; they don’t kick, punch or swear, they bite. Your training system should address this issue and teach your dog not to use its teeth in offense or defense. It is all about teaching your dog to make the right decision and dogs don’t learn this on their own, they don’t watch TV, read books or ask their doggy friends what they should do. It is up to the owners to help their dogs do the right thing.

CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL

Contact Canine College at CanineCollege@aol.com or call 414-774-5506.