By Lori Douglas
It’s up to us to communicate to build a solid relationship with our dog(s) and to help them learn the rules of the household and develop good manners.
Having a relationship without communication is a recipe for disaster.
The dog can’t do this alone, and we can’t assume it knows what to do!
Imagine being placed in the middle of a city where you do not know the lanquage and have no family or friends. It’s getting dark and cold, and you’re hungry. How are you going to function? Feel the panic? Now, imagine your dog coming home to a foreign place with different communication skills, and the humans have no clue. Add to that, the dog has come from a rescue and has had a traumatic experience. This is where training comes in.
The first step to create a better relationship with your dog through training is to figure out what you want.
Are dogs allowed on the furniture?
What basic commands are appropriate for the household?
Will you crate train the new furry family member?
Is barking at the door ok?
Will the dog sleep in your room or the children’s bedrooms?
Is Fido allowed to play with the children?
Really think about it; there are many scenarios to consider. This is the basis of rules and boundaries. Dogs NEED structure and love schedules and predictability. Less room for Fido to make a bad decision.
The next step is to write down all the commands the dog must know to function in your household.
Now, we have a basis for clear communication! I suggest hand signals for the following commands if possible:
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
- Come
- Off
- Outside
- Go Potty
- Focus
Speaking of communication, how will Fido know when it’s doing something right or wrong? What sounds are appropriate to convey good or bad behavior or choice? “Good” is used often for obvious reasons. “No”, “Eh Eh”, “Sh”, or “Hey”, are examples of bad sounds. Figure out as a family what works, and stay consistent with those sounds. Fido is learning the language. Be kind and patient!
When communication is used correctly, this gives direction and builds trust and confidence with the dog!
There you have it.
The benefits of dog training are communication, relationship, learning the rules, and developing good manners. This foundation helps to limit any bad behavior.
This gives the dog direction and builds trust with confidence and Fido is on its way to being the BEST DOG EVER!
How do we get there? Can training be handled on your own? Sure! There are plenty of books and YouTube videos to answer your questions. I know, I know, most of us do not have time for that research.
Depending on your commitment level and budget, there are plenty of options. How about hiring a local professional to train your dog?
Another option is to send Fido to a board and train for a few weeks. Have questions or need some hands-on advice? Contact me and mention this article. I am happy to schedule a free consultation and answer any questions.