By: Andy Sands, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant
It’s Training Tuesday once again and we are in the middle of the series “The Year of the Dog” in which we are discussing the 10 Resolutions for Rover. Three resolutions have been introduced thus far, and we continue on today with numbers 4 and 5.
Resolution #4: Make training a lifestyle-do it every day.
Set aside 2-3 minutes, two-three times per day for training. That’s it; 2-3 minutes, two-three times per day. However, you must do this every day, because even the most well-trained dog will regress without ongoing attention. Just a small amount of time and effort each day will encourage good behavior with your favorite furry friend. Pick a different skill each time you work with your dog, and only reward for performing well. Remember the praise and the treat put you in a position of power. You get to decide when and if a reward is warranted. Do not give these things out unless there is good reason.
Resolution #5: No pulling on leash-use the right tools.
Please banish the retractable leashes from your household and get a solid leather leash, and a good front clip harness. Like every other discipline, training is SO much easier with the proper tools. A leather leash has more power and will give you maximum control with the least amount of effort on your part. A well-designed front clip harness (I prefer Softouch Concepts) properly fit and worn snugly will encourage the dog to walk alongside you without pulling. This combination will reduce pulling by about 80%. If your dog is a chronic puller, try abruptly changing directions in succession (go left, right, turn around, right, left, and so on). Before long, the dog will start paying much more attention to you and your movements.
You now have 5 solid resolutions for your dog. Join me next Tuesday as we continue our series.
Andy Sands is the owner of Good CitiZEN Dog Training here on the Suncoast. He is also a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. Good CitiZEN Dog Training serves Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
