Day TEN-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

The second important aspect of working with a learner is patience. Often folks are quick to expect instant results when communication might take a moment. In the case of animals, we are communicating via a different language & as such need to remember to allow some time for our learner to figure things out.

You mean they don’t understand English (or Spanish, or French, or Japanese)? Some might say, “I’m sure MY dog knows exactly what I’m saying. When I tell Fido to “come” and he runs away he is just being stubborn.” Dogs & most animals are keen observers of body language. Quite often we are communicating volumes of data without even saying a word.

Hence, it is important to remember that repeating the same thing over & over without the result you are seeking isn’t productive. Instead, asking once & waiting to see what happens may yield surprising results! Repetition builds confidence & that strengthens behavior!

ACTION: Try asking your dog for “eye contact.” Say their name & then wait. If they turn to you or look at you, reinforce (a pat, “good boy,” bit of something yummy) that behavior! Repeat 🙂

Day NINE-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

Just as if you were trying to get in shape with exercise, it would be important to practice your working out with daily consistency. Consistency is one of the two most important aspects of working with any learner. As with children, dogs quickly learn that if you are not consistent, their perseverance will pay off. Thus, you must decide upon a course of action & calmly & gently stick with it.

For example, if you prefer that your pup not be on the couch. That means that when you are watching a movie in the evening & your pup jumps up to snuggle, you must be consistent in guiding them back to their dog bed.

Folks may wonder, “How long will it take for success?” Often times behaviors have been well established over long periods of time. Thus, it will take equal time, commitment, & consistency in order to form new habits & behaviors.

Remember, the same response each & every time no matter how or where the question is posed will lead to learning & success.

ACTION: Decide on one thing that you would like your dog to do. For example, if I want my pup to “sit” before we go out of the door, then we are going to sit before going out the door every, every single time-even when it’s raining-even when I’m late for work-even when I’m hungry & just want to get out & back in for my dinner.

Make a commitment to be consistent with ONE behavior & gently & kindly follow through.

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Day EIGHT-21 Day Positive Training Kickstart Challenge

It’s time to discuss equipment. Collars & leashes-there are so many options. How to know what might work best for your dog.

First of all, we may want to follow the advice of t.v. trainer Victoria Stillwell (It’s Me or the Dog) when she states, “Do no harm.”

Science has demonstrated that it is possible to effect behavioral change without force, intimidation, or pain. As such, we have an ethical responsibility to use the least intrusive, most effective tools available to us. Having said this, prong collars, choke chains, & shock collars should never be an option.

The Gentle Leader or Haltie Head collars work well with training for dogs who are strong & have the inclination to pull. The Gentle Walker, front clip harness is a great option for most dogs as harnesses don’t put pressure on the delicate necks of dogs.

Dr. Sophia Yin (veterinarian, behaviorist, & animal trainer) has a nice post  on collars & leashes & their pitfalls & benefits.

ACTION: Be sure that if your dog has on a collar that it fits well & is comfortable. Flat fabric collars with plastic buckles work well & can be adjusted. Look into a front clip harness for your pup. It provides more security (from escape), safety (from neck injuries), & piece of mind (that you are doing the best thing for your pup).

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