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Getting The Dog You Always Wanted
Do you look on with envy as your neighbor jogs through the
neighborhood, his faithful dog trotting happily and calmly by
his side? Does your arm ache after every walk with your dog -
sore from almost being pulled from the socket? Do you watch dog
shows with disbelief, unsure how that many dogs can behave so
well all at the same time?
It only takes a few minutes a day to achieve a well-trained dog.
It doesn't happen in one day, but with a training plan and
patience, you and Brutus will achieve a happy partnership. Keep
in mind that no dog, not even Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin or Benji,
comes into the world with manners.
Like any other project, dog training works best if you can break
the task into manageable chunks and work on one piece at a time.
Puppies and dogs have limited attention spans - short training
sessions work best. If you can plan two or three five-minute
sessions every day, you can train your dog. Over time, with
consistency and patience, Gizmo will understand what's expected
of him and become the companion animal you always wanted.
Will Ace understand what you're up to at first? No way. He will
know that the being he adores above all others on Earth is
spending some time with him. And that will make him happy.
Banshee will wiggle with absolute delight when she realizes that
these sessions involve not only spending time with you, but
getting cookies!
Some trainers object to training a dog with food, believing that
"bribery" is not a good thing. But most dogs, like people, pay
much closer attention when they know there's something in it for
them. Treats are a terrific motivator. Toys can also work well
with many dogs. If purists consider treats to be a shortcut -
what's wrong with that? Most people aren't worried about perfect
obedience from their dogs - they just want to take Diggity to
the park without worry.
A wonderful dog trainer said "Every dog is trained to his
owner's level of comfort." Only you can decide which "battles"
with Einstein are worth fighting. Make a training plan for you
and Furface, work on it a little at a time. If you approach
training as an opportunity to spend some fun time with your dog,
you'll both look forward to your sessions and you'll achieve a
well-mannered pet.
About the author:
Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a
bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun,
affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has
trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a
decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog
Training Club.
Written by: Hope Saidel
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