Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services
A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results
604-868-0341
Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results 604-868-0341 Alix Balfour - Trainer
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From "Sit" to "Sensational!" A person once asked me how to stop a golden retriever from trying to swim across the river. I went on to describe various steps that I would use, starting with very basic training that would teach the dog to follow my leadership. Consider this: When a child enters grade one he learns 1+1=2. Generally speaking it takes a child eight years to get through primary school during which time he learns not to run around during class, pick on the kid next to him, steal from his classmates. When the child enters four years of high school he delves into advanced math during which time he also struggles through the roller coaster ride that is the teenage years, learning to get along with others as a more mature person. Then it's off to college and university, perhaps some post-grad work. Schooling can last a really long time and a person can use the learned knowledge to achieve great things. And it's all built on the same, simple foundation. 1+1=2. No matter how big the numbers in a person's life get, it all starts with 1+1=2. No matter what you want to teach your dog, no matter "who" you want your dog to be, the one simple command that is the foundation to all things is "sit". As a dog grows from puppy to mature adult, he will experience many things. Your dog could become a search and rescue dog, or a whiz at the agility course; your dog may become just the greatest, best dog a person could ever hope to own just for being them. Just remember that no matter what they're learning, it all starts with the same, simple foundation. "Sit". As your dog matures, he will be exposed to new things, new adventures. Stick to your basic commands. The dog will learn that "sit" means the same whether it's "sit" to have his leash put on or because you've suddenly found yourself in a crowd of people and you need the dog to be quiet and still. Training is a learning process for both sides, do not despair. Like all things, the more you practice, the better you get. Of course you're going to make mistakes, but if your overall approach is one of love and understanding, your dog will forgive you your mistakes just as you need to forgive the dog his mistakes. Like the golden retriever who wishes to swim across the river, start with basic training in non-disruptive surroundings and gradually increase your demands and expectations. A dog is a dog and as a dog will act like a dog. To modify those behaviors you must educate your dog to a different way of thinking. Know what you want and take responsibility for delivering that information in as simple and encouraging a manner as possible. Anticipate and be prepared. Relax. Have faith. Enjoy. |
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