Training The People To Train Their Dog

There are actually thousands of books and sites about the best way to best train us dogs. (Yes, I am a 10 year old yellow Labrador Retriever.) So how is it really possible that most people still don't understand the one factor that's important to their success? Successfully training a dog is much more on the people than it is the dog. (I have always known it wasn't really my fault!)

Humans Are Not Consistent

Here's the problem. Most owners do not know a thing about the best way to train us dogs. You think that if you get frustrated with the dog about something they may have done a couple of times that it automatically means we'll stop doing it... Even though the next few times it happens... we do not get in trouble.

Here is an example about my favourite topic. Food. If there is food on the counter and I am getting in trouble for grabbing it the first four times but not the fifth... I am thinking it may be worth it to snatch it again and hope that it will be one of the times I do not get in trouble.

It is not about the dog... it is about the person... and the consistency of that person. If I am getting in trouble every single time I attempt to grab food off the kitchen counter, eventually I'll stop doing it. But if there is a small chance I'll get away with it I will probably keep doing it. It does not work if I only get in trouble some of the time, or most of the time. It has to be every single time.

People Are Lazy

This is the other reason many owners fail at getting their dog trained. They are just too lazy to do it the right way. Our veterinarian once said (well, she said it several times because boss is a slow learner... and is really lazy). "Never give an order that you are not in a position to enforce." As a dog I am not a big fan of this rule, but it really does work.

Once I KNOW that I really have to do what the boss says... Then I surrender and start doing it.

You have got to convince me that when I am doing something bad, you're going to seriously get up off the couch to make me stop. If you are just going to say bad words to me (after do I'm not supposed to), I'd still do it. You've got to stop me each single time I do what you do not want me to. Not most of the time... Every single time.

A Shortcut That I Believe Is Cheating

Since we all know the biggest problem with training a dog is the owner being consistent and not being lazy, this is a way to cheat a little bit. When you are focusing on the dog, and you're in position to enforce the rules, I... we learn a lot faster.

Set The Dog Up To Fail

As an example if you are having difficulty keeping the dog away from the kitchen counters, purposely put food at the edge of the counter. Ensure it is easily within the dog's reach. Then stay nearby and concentrate on the dog's actions so you can correct them instantly when they begin to grab it. If the dog barks too much when visitors come, have friends come over when you're prepared and ready for stop the dog's behaviour instantly.

Have I mentioned yet that human is more important in this equation than the dog is? If you concentrate and are consistent in what behavior correct, any dog can learn what you need them to.

Did You Teach Them What Was Bad?

Does your dog do something they should not be doing? Did you TEACH them that they shouldn't do it? Telling them does not count, you have got to actually teach them what is ok and what is not ok.

Oh... And you've got to be very, very consistent about it... Did I bring up that yet? I know I said it a few times, but if you're as slow as my boss is, I need repeat it!!