A dog should be a constant reminder to people to calm down and remain calm. Your dog is your mirror, you can only get back what you give.
Met a couple at Homes Alive tonite, they are first time puppy owners – little Boston Terrier. They are trying to figure out how to train and socialize him.
The man had the puppy in his arms due to lack of vaccines, the lady held out a treat and asked if I wanted to make nice. “No, thanks”. I reached out, let the pup sniff my hand and proceeded to show affection. I got a couple of weird looks, they asked why I didn’t offer a treat – “I work with dogs, and I don’t use treats”.
They seen that Monty was calm and asked how I did it. Fair enough.
Explained to them that they can be the highest value treat in the dogs life, or be a treat dispenser – do you really want a food relationship with your dog? They investigated the different training methodologies, and realized they don’t want to use punishment – which I agree with.
I simply explained to them to work on cooperation. The puppy is going to have wants when you start socializing, figure out what it wants – try to understand what it wants and find a way to get them there. Put the onus on the dog – “I know what you want, give me calm and you get it.” Patience is key, if the dog is bouncing around at the end of the leash, remain completely calm wait for the dog to calm. The dog can only stay in that state for so long, and it has to give up. When the dog goes calm, move forward toward what the dog wants. If it gets excited, stop and wait – but be calm. It won’t take long for the pup to realize that being calm gets it closer to what it wants. If it wants to meet a dog, and it figures out “calm gets me to meet the dog”, it won’t take long til the pup figures out to be calm – and the world becomes its’ oyster.
I see owners and trainers in the field creating and rewarding excitement. You are rewarding excitement, think about that – but then wondering why the dog won’t calm down. You’re basically telling the dog “I want you excited – here’s a treat”.
People really just want a dog that can be calm anywhere. Start focusing on calming the dog.
Robert Hynes Dog Training
Serving Edmonton, Alberta and surrounding areas.
admin@roberthynesdogtraining.com