THIS IS FOR A FEW OF MY CLIENTS THAT NEED JUST A LITTLE REMINDER,
The most common mistake I see is not following what I call the fulfillment formula — that is, exercise, discipline then affection. We tend to give affection, affection, affection and this creates unstable dogs and bad behavior because then you have trouble earning your dog’s trust, respect and loyalty.
This is about leadership and energy. Most training seeks to teach dogs how to obey commands, while I`m more about rehabilitation through exercise, discipline and affection. A dog may be very well-trained and still be unbalanced, just as a balanced dog may not be trained. We need to start with the principles before we can get to the techniques (training methods) and that is how we achieve a positive outcome (good behavior).
The walk is exercise and that’s great — but that’s only part of the formula. Dogs need discipline, too — this is where rules, boundaries and limitations come in. Leadership is about showing the dogs — through your actions and energy — what you expect of them. Remember that you have to be consistent. If you break the rules, they will too!
It helps to start the day with a good, fast walk. And that’s not a walk where the dog is peeing on every tree and barking at every other dog on the street … which will just put him in an excited state. Then when you lock him up inside the house with that kind of energy, he’s more likely to be destructive. You want him in a calm, submissive state and a brisk walk, run or bike ride is the best way to achieve that.
Also, find activities that stimulate his mind and challenge him, like search-and-rescue activities ( basically a game of hide and seek ). Try a treat ball or a Kong toy, have him wear a backpack on the walk, go for a pack walk with your neighbors and their dogs, or play a game with him, even for 10 minutes before you leave the house, that challenges him to use his nose.
The best ways to manage your dog’s behavior:
Create a schedule that includes a daily 30- to 45-minute power-walk in the morning, at the very least. This is critical for your dog’s health, both physical and mental.
Set aside time every day to provide mental exercise by maintaining rules, boundaries and limitations. When these needs are met, the affection you give to your dog will be channeled as a reward.
Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house. This will show your dog who is in the leadership role. On walks, make sure that your dog is not in front of you, pulling you down the street. Instead, keep your dog to your side or behind you. This will also demonstrate to your dog that you are the alpha figure.
Give your dog something to do before you share food, water, toys or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have him or her perform the “sit” or “down” command.
Dogs seek attention from you. But by paying them that attention when they want it, you’re reinforcing the bad or hyperactive or anxious behavior that you’re trying to avoid. Practice — no touch, no talk, no eye contact — and see how that works. You might be surprised at how quickly the dog settles down and looks to you as his pack leader for direction.
I hope this helps some of you guys who are struggling, remember training is for LIFE. I can tell you that I really do practice what I preach each and every day, and these techniques WORK which is why as you see in some of my video`s that we can have 12-16 dogs playing in our yard on a daily basis with out incidence. I promise if you can get the basics down, and these are the basics, if you even just accomplish this you will have a great dog that you are proud to own. Tricks if that’s what you want to teach your dogs come after this, if you can`t get the basics the tricks will not happen.
Good luck, stay calm, and carry on!!
Great advice.
You are so right. This is what I am learning right now. I got complacent and now my dog is paying the price by not being allowed to just be a dog, but always wanting to protect me when I don’t need it. We are on the right track now. With my self imposed boot camp maybe I (not Ghost) will not have to go through your boot camp!!(lol)
Hahahahahaha keep up the good work and you may be saved!!!