Successful Dog Training: Keep these 5 things in mind
We all want our dogs to fit into our lives and many struggle to make that happen. It is frustrating and overwhelming when our dogs "misbehave". When you get a dog, that is the start of your journey together and we, as the humans, are responsible for teaching them what they need to know to succeed in our weird and crazy world. To do this, there are a few things that we need to keep in mind...
Tip #1 - Manage Our Expectations!
Let's face it, you got a dog with certain goals and expectations in mind. You have a plan and when things don't go as quickly or smoothly as expected, it is NOT how you pictured life with your dog. Maybe this is not your first dog and you find yourself comparing the new addition to your family to previous companions. Give your dog time to settle into your home. Avoid situations you have not trained your dog to deal with in that situation. Just be realistic. Your dog will tell you if you are expecting too much of them and they need help. Think of it as information that tells you where your training gaps are and where you need to focus your training.
Tip #2 - Remember: Your Dog Is A Living, Breathing, Sentient Creature-NOT A Robot!
Dogs have off days, just like we do. Remember that they have needs and are not just little robots that, if you get the programming right, will do everything you say as soon as you say it! Sometimes they get overwhelmed or don't feel well. Maybe they are over threshold and they are functioning solely on their instincts-no thinking is happening! Are they just "stubborn" or have "selective hearing" or are they struggling. Be compassionate and supportive.