Trained Dogs Rule

Just a little updated on how our Clicker Training is going with our two Dobermans. Well unfortunately our two fearless Dobermans are still afraid of the clickers.

I believe that dog training is their day to day living. What we do everyday with our dogs will definitely mold them into our loving companions. Just like kids though, they also need structure. I believe that they actually crave some type of structure.

We can walk them as much as we want and this is very good for them physically but they also need mental stimulation.

When are female dobe was showing, you could just see the concentration on her face when she was in the ring.  She loved it!  She was being mentally challenged and loving it. So now that we are doing obedience just because she is afraid of the clicker do I just forget about that type of training. Of course not! I want to see that eagerness in her face!

We have to take the aspects of that training that she is good with and use it. When you teach a child to first write or print we naturally assume they will write with their right hand. So if they start using their left hand do we throw up our hands and say they will never write? No of course not! We adjust the way in which we teach them.

Your daily interaction with your dog will let you know what gets them excited.  Learn to use that in a positive way. When they do something that you have been trying to train them to do let them know in a positive way. For example, our female being so tuned to showing was near impossible to teach her to sit. Everytime I saw her sit I would say Sit! Good Girl!(with lots and lots of enthusiasm). It didn’t take her long to pick up on what I expected out of her.

The best part though, was seeing the lightbulb go off when she got it. She was just so happy!

Most dogs have the same reaction when they “get it”. All they really want to do is please us. Remember training is a fun thing. Training does need to be consistent. So when you find a gentle consistent way that works USE IT.

Always set time aside for training but if you see your dog doing something good while your not having a “training session” take advantage of that. Praise and reward the behaviour!

Dogs are a lifetime commitment. Make it a happy one!

Until next time.

Maureen Brownell