Principles of Dog Training Dog-training expert and author Sarah Hodgson explains how to understand the way your dog thinks -- and begin training him. Dogs don't speak English, they speak "doglish" -- a language built on eye contact, body language and tone of voice. Dogs will focus on whatever it is you pay attention to, whether a positive behavior such as sitting quietly or a negative one, such as barking, jumping or chewing. Dogs don't know the difference between positive and negative behaviors -- but they do notice when you're paying attention, and they love attention. A dog responds to and repeats whatever behaviors you pay attention to. If you focus on negative behaviors, you'll end up with an unmanageable dog. If you pay attention to positive behaviors, on the other hand, you'll have a dog that is a pleasure to be around. Body language is an important factor in communicating with your dog. When you bend over, for example, a dog assumes you're in a play posture and want to play. During training sessions you should avoid play postures and instead assume a tall position with your head up and your shoulders back but relaxed -- a sort of "peacock" stance. While training, detach yourself emotionally from what your puppy does. If you get upset, the puppy takes that as an invitation for confrontation or play -- the last things you need during training. Never shout at your dog. A dog considers shouting a form of barking. It isn't so much what you say but how you say it that matters. Dogs don't understand words: they understand sounds. You must always use clear, crisp, consistent sounds and tones with your dog. The Five Foundation Commands Begin training by placing pieces of cereal or broken-up treats in little cups and placing the cups around the house. Shake a cup, and call out your dog's name. This helps the dog associate the sound of her name with receiving a treat. After a week or two, she will have a positive association with hearing her name. Let your dog get accustomed to wearing a leash. Let him run around with the leash on for a couple of days. Then begin gently holding the leash while gradually increasing the pressure on it. Hold the leash, and as you walk around begin to teach the five foundation commands. Speak the words clearly and consistently, with an even tone. The first command is "Let's go," which means "follow me" ( figure A) or "come along." Say it with a smile and a tone of voice that makes the dog want to come to you.
The command "sit" is equivalent to "please" in the dog world. Before you give your dog anything he would perceive as positive -- a toy, dinner, a treat, his water bowl -- ask him to sit, then reward and praise him. The commands "wait" and "okay" are critical (figure B). You need to teach your dog to wait before she runs out the door, jumps out of the car or enters a building. Use the command "okay" to release your dog from the "wait" command.
The "excuse me" command places you in the leadership role by training your dog to navigate around you instead of your navigating around him. You're in control, not your dog. In addition to a leash, you'll need the right kind of collar to use during training. A few dogs respond well to a regular buckle collar. Some work well with the original training collar (figure C), whereas others need a pronged collar (figure D), normally used only on dogs with strong necks. A collar called the "gentle leader" (figure E) guides a dog like a horse.
Another great technique to use is anchoring your dog: tuck the leash under your leg (figure F), giving her just enough leash to lie down next to you. If you're going to be stationary for a while, give the dog a mat to lie on and a toy. In no time, you'll discover that when you're calm, she will stay with you.
Stationing is also an important technique. Select areas in each room of your house where you will welcome your dog. Put a mat, an old sweatshirt or toys in the area. Each time you go into that room, point to the area, and tell your dog to settle down. She probably won't stay settled at first, so you may have to put her on an old leash attached to an immovable object. Secure your dog as you tell her to settle down, focus her attention on a toy, and praise her (figure G) when she is calm.
Basic Training The first command in basic training is "heel" (figure H). The command communicates that your dog should walk at your side, without rushing or dawdling.
Begin by practicing the merry-go-round exercise. Start in an open space that permits you to move in at least a 20'-diameter circle and heel your dog while walking counterclockwise. Keep your hand behind the seam of your pants while staying upright in the peacock position. When you stop, accentuate your stop (figure I) by lifting your leg in a bent position and float or exaggerate the finish to make certain your dog recognizes that it's time to halt.
Now change your pace. As you walk more quickly, signal to your dog by clicking your tongue. When you want to slow down, signal by saying "sh." After you and the dog have mastered changes of pace, add turns. The first turn is away from your dog. As you turn away from the dog, slow down and slap the side of your leg. Take "heel" out of your practice circle when your dog is paying attention, and begin using the command when you go out for walks (figure J).
The first step in teaching the "stay" command is to use the "sit" command. Say "sit" one time, enunciating the t in the word sit . Use a closed hand (figure K) to introduce the "stay" command. Place your closed hand in front of your dog's nose (figure L) and clearly say "stay." To release the dog, say "okay," and sweep your arm forward (figure M) to indicate that it's okay for him to move forward.
Once your dog is focusing on the "stay" signal, begin to pivot in front of him (figure N). Hold your left hand above your dog's head (figure O) in case he moves so you can quickly and gently correct him.
Now it's time to introduce the three Ds: distraction, such as marching or jumping in place; duration, keeping the dog in the "stay" position for longer periods of time; and distance, slowly moving farther away while the dog stays put. "Come" is a command of closeness -- not of starting far away and having the dog come to you. Teach "come" when the dog is already near so that eventually when she's away and you say "come," she'll want to run to you. Have a treat cup ready to reinforce the "come" command. Say "come," and sweep your arm forward as you call your dog. When she responds, reward her with a treat and lots of praise. "Come" brings your dog to your side and also encourages eye contact (figure P).
After your dog is comfortable at short distances, use your leash and practice the "come" command. Position yourself at least 6' away from him and as you say "come," run backward (figure Q). Praise and reward the dog for coming to your feet and looking up at you.
The first step in the "down" command is for you to kneel with your back straight and tall, like a kneeling peacock. Articulate what you want your dog to do by saying "down" clearly while using your closed hand to indicate "down" (figure R) on the floor.
Praise your dog verbally, pause 5 seconds, and release him with "okay" and a sweeping arm motion (figure S). Hug and praise your dog.
If your dog does not lie down, take your left hand, rest it between his shoulder blades (figure T), and gently lift his paw out from under him (figure U ) as you repeat "down."
When your dog responds well, stand up, assuming the peacock position, and continue to practice, gradually placing more and more distance between yourself and your dog. Remember: Always stay calm, cool and relaxed. Be firm and consistent with your pet but generous with praise and affection.
RESOURCES :
Halloween Products
Doctors Foster and Smith
Website: www.drsfostersmith.com
The American Kennel Club
Petopia.com
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing, Training and Raising a Dog
Author: Sarah Hodgson
Unfortunately, this book is currently out of print. Please check your local library or used bookstore for a copy.
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Sarah Hodgson
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Foundation Commands |
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