Common Questions
that clients ask the Trainer regarding training:
1. Why should I train my dog?
This is probably one of the most asked questions I receive. Usually it is followed by " my dog already knows how to sit and stay." So let me answer this important question for you.
Training your dog helps your dog learn commands and behaviors, making them more obedient and easier to manage. Not only that, a well-trained dog is less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors or run off, ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Training also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, improving communication between you both. Training not only helps your dog know how you would like him to behave but it engages his mind and provides mental stimulation preventing boredom and makes him a happier and more well-adjusted pet.
2. When should I begin training my dog?
Training should begin as soon as possible. For instance, with puppies, I believe training should begin as soon as they are weaned from their mother. Puppies are sponges and absorb everything they can during those puppy days so take advantage and begin training as soon as you bring them into your home. Remember though, puppies have very short attention spans so keep your training sessions short (no more than 5 minutes at a time) and follow with playtime. When your pup reaches 4 months you can increase their training sessions to 10 mins.
When you rescue a dog give them a few days to acclimate to their new home. Then you can begin training them with positive training methods that will build the bond between you both and teach them how you expect them to behave in your home. Never train more than 20 mins at a session with an older dog. Always try to end your training sessions with some fun playtime for a few minutes. This will make your dog more interested in the training as he learns that fun time will come after. Always use positive training methods with lots of rewards and praise.
3. Why do I have to reward my dog for doing what I say?
Shouldn't he/she want to please me?
Using food rewards in dog training offers several benefits. Food is a powerful motivator for dogs. Most dogs are highly motivated by food and are more likely to engage in desired behaviors when there are tasty treats involved. Food also allows us to capture and maintain their attention during training. Associating training with food rewards helps create a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog. They will begin to associate training sessions with something pleasant and rewarding, making them eager to participate in training and learn. Food rewards can also accelerate the learning process. When a dog realizes that certain behaviors result in food rewards, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors and learn new commands more quickly. Using food rewards in training also helps to build a strong bond and trust between you and your dog. This can strengthen your relationship with your dog. Keep in mind, in the beginning of training we treat often but once your dog becomes proficient in their training we gradually fade out the treats and begin to only treat intermittently so that they will not only perform when food is present. In addition to food rewards, always offer verbal praise and play as rewards as well.
4. What makes a good "Trainer"?
When choosing a trainer, it's essential to consider their qualifications, experience, and training methods to ensure they align with your goals and values as a dog owner. I personally feel all trainers should treat dogs and their owners with respect, compassion and prioritize the well-being and safety of all parties. A good trainer should be adaptable and willing to modify their training techniques to suit different dogs and situations. I always say there is no "one size fits all" approach to dog training. A good trainer should have several techniques in their protocol as not all dogs respond the same way and you must be flexible to meet the needs of each dog. Good communication skills, both with dogs and their owners is important as well. Lastly, I feel a good trainer should stay updated on the latest training approaches and be knowledgable about various breeds and their specific training needs.
5. What are the most important aspects of dog training?
I feel the most important aspect of dog training is PATIENCE. Realizing that dogs are not born knowing how we want them to behave, In essence we are teaching dogs a foreign language. I always tell my clients, imagine you are in a foreign country and do not speak the language, no matter how many times something is said in that language, no matter how loud they say it, or how angry they get at you for not understanding you still will not understand until they show you what it is they are trying to say. I like to use an example from my childhood. While driving across France on our way to Spain, my parents stopped at an outdoor cafe for a cup of coffee. My parents, neither one spoke French, ordered coffee. When it came, they brought a sugar bowl but no cream. My father asked the waiter for milk for his coffee. The waiter looked at my father and shook his head. He didn't understand milk. My Dad kept saying milk for the coffee and was getting quite annoyed. Finally my Dad placed his hands by his head mimicing horns and said "Mooooooo". then again repeated milk. Suddenly the waiter said " ahhhh Lait" and grabbed a pitcher of cream. Saying Milk over and over again did nothing to help the waiter understand but when shown what he meant the waiter got it. Although when I think back, why my Dad made horns on a cow is unknown. So when we repeat commands over and over to dogs they look at us blankly because those words are meaningless until we show them what those words mean so I believe patience is number one. Another important aspect of training is consistency. You must be consistent when training dogs. All family members must be on the same page and be consistent. Dogs do not understand if one person allows them to do something different and it will make the dog confused and anxious. So being consistent is key. Lastly, be kind. You never want to break the bond with your dog. Be Patient. Be consistent. Be kind. s.