 | Charlie Traffas has been involved in marketing, media, publishing and insurance for more than 40 years. In addition to being a fully-licensed life, health, property and casualty agent, he is also President and Owner of Chart Marketing, Inc. (CMI). CMI operates and markets several different products and services that help B2B and B2C businesses throughout the country create customers...profitably. You may contact Charlie by phone at (316) 721-9200, by e-mail at ctraffas@chartmarketing.com, or you may visit at www.chartmarketing.com. |
Pets
2007-04-01 16:42:00
Training tips for your dog
Some trainers act like drill sergeants; others talk and cajole their dogs. How do I know what is the best method for my dog?
ANSWER: There seems to be a lot of confusion about the right collar to use to train dogs. Some trainers recommend a prong collar, some a choke, other just a flat buckle. Techniques differ too.
While dogs are distinctively individual there are some training methods that will work with the majority of dogs. No one collar or one technique will work with every dog. There are also some so called training practices that should never be used. Physical abuse such as kicking, hitting, or hanging your dog are unacceptable and ineffective methods of training. Positive reinforcement such as physical interaction and food reward are typically very effective. It is also important to maintain a leadership or “alpha” role with your dog. Since dogs are pack animals they respect a strong but kind leader.
The tools you use on your dog are secondary to the previously mentioned methodology. Personally I do not use or recommend the prong or pinch collar. With nearly 30 years of training experience I have found there are other kinder, more effective methods of controlling your dog. In our classes we mainly use the regular collar, slip leads or a Gentle Leader™. Proper placement of the collar or slip lead is of utmost importance. The collar or lead should be positioned directly behind the ears. Most collars are too loose and lay on the lower neck, close to the dog’s shoulders. This means when your dog is on a leash you are trying to control the dog from his strongest point. The Gentle Leader ™ fits over your dog’s nose and behind the ears much like a halter on a horse. With the leader or a properly place collar you have control of the head. Control the head and you control the dog.
Once you have some control of your dog you can help her focus on you with your voice and treats. You do not need to yell or bark commands (no pun intended). A dog has better hearing than a person so he hears you just fine. Constantly repeating yourself, sit, sit, SIT, SIT, is unnecessary. If your dog doesn’t know what a word means it does no good to say it again louder. Asking pretty please or begging your dog also has no meaning for them. In fact a whiney voice is interpreted as submissive behavior and confuses your dog on how he should react. You increase your dog’s vocabulary one word at a time. It is most efficient to give a one word command such as heel, sit, down, and then direct your dog into the position you want. Reward her for doing the right thing them help her repeat the performance.
Remember dogs learn best when they understand the benefit to them for doing your bidding. No single method will work with every dog. You have to see what training tools and rewards work best for you and your dog. A dog and their human should work as a team with mutual respect and trust. Patience, a sense of humor and perseverance are key ingredients to raising a well balanced, well trained dog.
