It is commonly thought, to successfully train a dog requires an owner who has time, is able to give their dog plenty of exercise and has a stern voice.
If these are indeed the most important qualities, why is it that there are many well-intentioned dog owners who adhere to this thinking but own dogs with behavioural problems?
The term ‘dog training’ has the nation thinking our relationship with our dog should be addressed with a technique. For example if a dog pulls, we are told to get a haulti, if a dog barks we may be told to get a spray collar or shake stones to distract the dog. If a dog becomes excited we are taught a command to stop their behaviour. These techniques are regularly adopted without a true understanding of their dogs’ needs and language.
In turn for using these dog-training techniques, many dog owners have replaced their nurturing and listening skills with techniques that control or tire a dog out.
To successfully ‘train’ a dog, I would advise every owner to first attempt to understand their dog by seeing at what point their behaviour becomes undesirable and to identify what they need in that moment. Then, secondly to teach the dog everything they want them to learn in the home where they feel happy and relaxed. Thirdly, to teach their dog in a calm, convincing and consistent manner. This way the owner can build their bond with the dog by teaching them at a rate in which they feel comfortable and happy whilst always listening and reacting to their concerns.
For help with dog training or problem behaviour issues be that separation anxiety, nervousness, aggression, pulling on the lead and much more contact the team at Dog Training in London.
