Dog Training Tips #1

Charm school is expensive and inconvenient. Some dog owners drop over a thousand dollars in the hope that a "Dog School" can turn their unruly monster into a lovable friend. But before you open your wallet to any self-proclaimed dog whisperer, give training a shot on your own. A few simple tips can transform the training process from struggle to success.

Start Early

Some people will tell you to wait  until your puppy is 8, 10, or even 12-weeks old to start training. But according to my Denver Veterinarian and also according to Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, the earlier you start the better. After all, dogs come from a species that live in packs. Therefore, at a young age, dogs look for a "pack-leader" to follow. As the dog owner and trainer, it is your job to fill this role. Even though it may seem mean or harsh to speak sternly to a young puppy, in fact, this direction is what a dog looks for. It gives a dog comfort to know they have someone to follow. If a puppy senses that we have low confidence, bad habits like leash-pulling, barking, and even anxiety can develop.

Introduction to a Collar/Leash
When we took our first puppy into our Local Denver Veterinarian to get his vaccinations and first check-up, we spoke with the vet about choosing the right collar. "No dog is alike in the collar department," she told us. We had briefly tried out a traditional nylon collar but we struggled with its lack of control with such a new puppy. We ended up trying out a variety of other styles each with their own training benefits.

• Halter-Type Dog Collar - This collar gives you the utmost in control. These collars have a band that goes around the head and nose and gives you complete control over the dogs head and therefore control over your dog. Some people are weary of this collar because it resembles a muzzle. In fact, this is simply an alternative to a traditional collar and the look should not scare owners who are looking for more control away.
• Pronged Collars - According to the all the staff at the Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, these collars should only be used for a short time during the training period. The collar has small prongs that lightly prong the dog if they pull excessively. Because of this mechanism, this collar should only be used as a last resort if other collars fail.
• Chain-Slip Dog Collar - This collar can be a great alternative to a pronged collar for unresponsive dogs during training sessions (Never leave this collar on a dog in a crate). I personally took this collar in to my local Denver Veterinarian to learn how to properly use it. With this collar, a quick tug helps tell your dog that their behavior is wrong.

Starting on a Leash

After you have selected the proper leash, its important to get your dog accustomed to the feeling of having something attached to it. Try attaching the collar when you are playing with your dog out in the yard, or when you are at home snuggling. This will help your dog to get used to the new feeling. Next, let your dog run around with the leash. Don't go immediately into walking. When you do begin to hold the leash, do not pull or attempt to get your dog to heel. Try other techniques like kneeling when you want the dog to stop.

Training Strategies

Treats are one of the simplest and best training tools available. That's not to say they should be used for ever, but for the first few months of training, using food as an incentive is a great strategy. For example, when first walking your dog on a leash, holding a treat by your side while walking can help your dog to learn what walking is all about. Stop and make your dog sit occasionally at which point you can give your puppy the treat.

Consistency is key while training. Face it, dogs are not as smart as humans. Variations between "Good Dog!" and "That's a good girl" can be confusing for a dog. Try keeping a standard phrase when encouraging your dog.

Patience is probably the most important virtue during training. My Veterinarian in Denver tells me that loosing patience is the number one reason people resort to sending their dog to training school. It's okay if your dog doesn't learn quickly. Even the smallest of improvements is a great sign!