We’re back with more answers about dog training and obedience from Joanne Lekas, owner/operator of Glad Dog Behavior Training out of Waltham, MA.
Mrs. G: Joanne, what’s the most important training mistake that humans make when training or interacting with their dog?
Joanne: Well, the primary that involves mind is talking to your recent puppy in English and expecting him to know what you would like him to do. Taking a look at him saying, “Sit, Sit, Sit,” won’t teach him find out how to sit.
It’s essential to get the behavior first, normally with a food lure, and once you’re predictably getting the behavior, THEN add the command just before the behavior happens. Being consistent with this order of things will make sure that your pup will get the connection between the motion and the command that goes with it.
The second biggest mistake is ignoring your puppy when he’s being good and providing every kind of attention (even negative) when he’s doing things that you don’t need him to do. Reward spontaneous acts of fine behavior and these are the behaviors that your puppy will soon selected to do on his own, without prompting from you.
Mrs. G.: How should one go about selecting a training venue?
Joanne: Every time possible, use personal references and observe a category.
Mrs. G.: What if a dog owner cannot afford classes and/or cannot fit them into their schedule?
Joanne: Other good options are books, DVDs, dog training web sites, YouTube and even some TV shows. Search for shows that use positive reinforcement training.
I’m completely satisfied to supply reading recommendations to anyone who desires to contact me.
Mrs. G.: What’s your favorite training experience?
Joanne: I really like teaching puppy classes. Nothing is cuter than a room filled with puppies playing. But mostly I really like enlightening and helping recent dog owners. It makes my day each time I get an email telling me of a client’s good progress with their pups or telling me that things have improved since our session.
Mrs. G.: If you happen to had one thing to say to dog owners about dog obedience, what wouldn’t it be?
Joanne: Be patient and type to your dog. Don’t attempt to attempt to train when you find yourself drained or frustrated. Do not get indignant at your puppy. If you happen to are feeling frustrated, take a break and play.
If he does something mistaken, teach him what you would like him to do as a substitute. In case your puppy is not responding to you, consider that you simply are probably working with too many distractions. Take into consideration how you possibly can make things easier in your pup by starting out in a quiet environment and moving into more distracting environments as they understand what is predicted of them
Thanks, Joanne! This has been enlightening and really helpful to our readers.
