Teaching Your Dog To Come to You Fast

Does Your Dog Come When Called?

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Dog Won’t Come When You Call Him? Let’s change That Now

 

If you want your dog to turn on a dime and come when called then make it fun.

It is critical that every dog know this potentially life-saving command.

If taught correctly, getting your dog to come when called, can be fun for both you and your dog.

2 Critical Dog Training Steps to Turn on A Dime and Come When Called

Develop a fast start: When you call your dog, he needs to take his eyes off the distraction and make eye contact with you.

Develop a fast, motivated run to you. You want your dog to run fast to you with speed and determination ignoring all distractions.

Tapping into your dog’s prey-drive is critical to a fast “come to you!”

This Video Shows You How To Train Your Dog to Come To You When Called

Here’s my 4 step “cheat-sheet” of quick tips as you follow along watching this video.

  • Work on a fast start by motivating your dog to beat the leash tug
  • Work on speed in the come by doing back-ups
  • Add the sit. Once you’ve trained a fast recall, it’s time to add sit in front of you and wait to be released.
  • Add distractions. Train in locations where you need your dog to come.

Tips:

  1. Always work on a long line when training your dog outside.
  2. Make sure your treats are high enough in value to compete with the distractions
  3. Remember do the fast start and run to you for a week before you add the sit – praise and treat your dog for a job well done.
  4. Never train for too long on the come command. Quit leaving your dog wanting more!

Practice daily around the house as follows:

  1. Call your dog to you when you’re in a different room.
  2. Add family members and call your dog to each other while in different rooms
  3. Call your dog in from the back yard
  4. Call your dog in from the front yard

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

Curated selection

Train Your Dog to Stay, Dog Training Houston

Train Your Dog to Stay

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Train your dog to stay. Solve a Bunch of Dog Problems

Dog problems such as:

  • Jumping
  • Counter surfing
  • Getting your pizza off the table

 

To train your dog to stay in a sit, down or “on their place” you must first build time on staying. This happens before you add distance or any pesky distractions.

In this video I going to walk you through the steps and the basic principles of building time when you train your dog on the stay command.

I am assuming your dog already knows how to do a sit, and a down, and hopefully to go place.

Once you have that down, you start training to get him to hold that stay command for longer periods of time.

Now in this video I used our dog Sophie who already knows the routine of sit, down, place.

All our dogs know that routine.

The Biggest Roadblock to Success in Teaching The Stay

Everybody does it. Do you?

You don’t build the length of the stay command in incremental steps praising for success.

Instead say stay, and expect a 10 or 15 or even 30 second stay before the dog is ready.

You have just now set your dog up to fail instead of succeed.

Building the Duration of Holding the Stay

Once you’ve trained your dog to stay and hold, that is when you slowly start adding distance from your dog followed by adding distractions.

Be sure to read how to use the stay command at the front door . I linked to it in the video and here so you can get more stay commands like the place command.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

 

 

Barking on Leash, dog training Houston, Jim Burwell

Fix Barking on Leash - 3 Tips

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Barking On Leash Ruining Your Dog Walks?

 

 

If you’d like to stop the embarrassment and the frustration, I’ll teach you how.

My video below will give you 3 tips for fixing barking on leash that will have you enjoying those walks again in no time!

Aggression aside, why does your dog bark?

  • Wants to greet other dogs or people when on a walk
  • Wants to play with you, other dogs or something
  • Wants to investigate his surroundings

All of these are possibilities

But most importantly your dog hasn’t been taught to do otherwise.

Your dog is simply doing what works for him

Now I am going to give want to give you 3 very important tips for fixing barking on leash:

3 Tips to Fix Your Barking on Leash Center Around

  1. Timing
  2. Distance
  3. Use high value food treats initially

This is just one kind of barking problem dogs exhibit.

There are many more, like barking from behind fences at people walking by.

I’ve got you covered on that one too.

Just click on the link towards the end of the video and it will take you to an article I wrote on obnoxious dogs barking from behind fences.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

dog behavior Houston, Jim Burwell

5 Habits of a Good Dog Owner

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I Can Tell If I’m Working With a Good Dog Owner

 


It’s very clear by the end of a 3 lesson set.

Ever wonder if you stack up as a good dog owner?”

It’s not that you’re a bad dog owner but just like a recent client asked:

I’m wondering if I am covering all the bases?

My List of What I Consider 5 Habits of a Good Dog Owner

NUTRITION

We always ask about nutrition in our initial phone evaluations. I know I have an involved dog owner when they bring up the subject of nutrition; as not all dog food is equal.

An interested owner will asks me what dog food they should be feeding their dog? What amount of food is good for their dog?

They educate themselves on what makes up a good dog food. Your dog is what he eats.

Good quality food sets a strong foundation for a healthy dog with less problems down the road.

If you’re not sure about your dog food and want to learn more, go watch this video. “Dog Food Matters.

OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Great owners understand the value of obedience training and how to use it in their home.

They learn it is the foundation to a well-mannered dog and training shouldn’t stop at teaching their dog to sit and down in a group class.

Obedience training should continue at home in ways that will soon get them a well-mannered dog.

I know I have a good dog owner if she uses obedience training in ways that improve her dog’s behavior in her home. As well as situations outside the home.

STRUCTURE

A five star dog owner learns, just like kids, dogs need structure too and that structure means teaching their dog what to do and when to do it.

Asking me how to expand on their current structure to improve their dog’s understanding says to me, “I’ve got a practical dog owner!”

Keep in mind there is one difference in dogs and kids:

“Kids eventually move out on their own (you hope.) Your dog is there for a lifetime with you, for better or worse.

Having expectations of what to do and when to do it will keep him problem free as long as he is with you.”

EXERCISE

An owner provides good aerobic, rhythmic exercise for their dog. They are sure their dog gets lots of opportunity to constructively and consistently burn energy every day.

I know I have a good dog owner if they ask me to give them other ideas to improve their dog walks.

They want to use them to improve the benefit of their dog-human relationship.

SOCIALIZATION

Smart dog owners see the value of socialization. They keep their dog well socialized around other dogs and people.

They know it is easier to go from a well-socialized dog to a well-mannered dog.

These owners recognize their dog’s social skills must be practiced daily or as often as possible.

Especially around new or relevant people and dogs.

I know I have a good dog owner if they are doing their part by continually socializing their dog at every opportunity.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON GOOD DOG OWNERS

Now that you know my criteria, how do you stack up?

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

puppy terrorizes senior dog

Overbearing Puppy and A Senior Dog: 3 Critical Tips

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His Entrance is Grand, This New Big Overbearing Puppy

 

 

He pounces, bounces and body slams your small senior dog into the next room.

You’re wondering?

“Should I let them play like this?”

The short answer is: No. Not like that. Not even in the “name of socialization!”

Small senior dogs do get bullied and terrorized by large bossy puppies. Your job is to watch and referee.

Here are 3 critical tips you should put into practice immediately. Especially if, in the sport of play, your senior is handicapped by size and temperament.

Protect Your Senior Dog At All Costs

Despite every body language effort to “just say no”, your senior is still used as a chew toy by your new puppy, immediately ring the bell and end the round.

Rethink your approach to appropriate play before your senior has to escalate things to a level of aggression to fend off this well-meaning but obnoxious puppy.

Actively supervise play between the two and every time your puppy intensifies the play, time him out in the crate for 5 minutes and then reintroduce him later when he’s calm.

Properly Manage Your Pushy Puppy

Take full advantage of crates or exercise pens.

Containing your puppy will allow your senior to, once again, take full advantage of “life as he once knew it.”

He will feel more at ease stretching out on the living room floor for a peaceful nap with no interruptions.
You can also separate them with doggie gates giving your puppy his romping space and your senior his peace of mind.

When supervising their play, consider playtime with the two of them.

But have the puppy on a leash for instant separation if needed.

Exercise and Train Your Brash Puppy

The phrase “A tired dog is a good dog” still works today. In fact, the best time to do supervised play between your two dogs is after you have exercised your puppy and he’s tired.

Think about that concept for a minute. Manage his energy with a good game of fetch and tug-of-war and you just might get less arousal from him and a more peaceful playtime with your senior dog.

As you begin to do some basic obedience training it’s important to keep in mind that doing doggie push-ups (sit, down, sit, down, etc.) for 2-3 minutes can create mental fatigue.

His reward for doing a great job will be playing with your senior.

As you begin to work him on his obedience training, a direct benefit will be better listening skills.

The consistency and repetition of simple sits and downs will soon foster discipline in other commands like “Off!” and “Leave it!” as he interacts with your senior.

Practice calling your puppy away from play with your senior.

First in lower intense play and then in moderate intense play as you have successes with him.

This will better prepare him for good, timely successes when you call him out of heated play.

Let your puppy drag a light leash as he plays. This will give you a better advantage during play.

Hopefully you can put these tips to good practice and create a happier, safer playtime for both your puppy and your senior dog.

Of course, the opposite can happen as well. It could be the puppy that needs protecting. In that case, the same tips apply, just in reverse!

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.
I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

 

stop mealtime barking

Mealtime Barking Got You Miffed?

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My Secret to Fixing Mealtime Barking

 

I know you get annoyed at your dog for barking during dinner. Dinner is that time of day when you’re trying to unwind and spend some stress free time with your family.

But the barking ruins a perfectly good meal.

It’s always a good idea when you have a dog behavior issue to step back and see what or if you are or have contributed to the bad behavior.

Take this behavior on barking during mealtime and let’s see just how much attention you gave this behavior.

Assuming your dog doesn’t have to go potty outside, he is more than likely barking at you for attention and to see what else he gets from you if he barks.

If you yelled at your dog with a stern verbal correction like, “Shut up!” or “Quiet!” you probably just reinforced his barking.

Remember, just like kids, even getting yelled at is still attention.

There are 3 ways you can give your dog attention. I call it TLC

  • TOUCH (physical contact of any kind)
  • LOOK AT (eye contact)
  • COMMUNICATE (talk to)

You are probably guilty of giving him attention in at least 2 out of the 3 ways above during his barking at the table.

If he was bold enough to put his paws on your leg as he barked, you more than likely pushed him off (touch).

You looked at him as you said: (eye contact)

“Shut up!” (communication)

Ideas For Your Ill-Mannered Mutt

Try thinking back on what may be missing (that attention) in your relationship with your dog.

Has he received dog training every day? Training gives your dog the attention he needs in a positive and constructive way. It helps you build a strong working relationship with him.

If you train every day, you begin to gain his respect as a strong leader through obedience training. Working on sits and downs can foster discipline in other commands with your dog – like staying on his bed during mealtime.

Are you exercising your dog? Have you ever heard the phrase “A tired dog is a good dog?” A long, brisk walk is another positive and constructive way to give your dog attention.

My Secret Fix for Mealtime Barking

If you’ve read my two ideas above and you’re already doing all of that, it’s time to let you in on my secret fix.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is.

Here’s my fix: Do absolutely nothing. You heard right. Nothing!
The next time your dog decides to bark at mealtime, don’t do anything.

Remember the three ways we give our dog attention?

Remember TLC?

  • DO NOT touch (push off your dog),
  • DO NOT look at (absolutely no eye contact) or
  • DO NOT talk to your dog.

Do absolutely nothing. Just eat your dinner.

Here’s the thing about extinguishing this kind of unwanted behavior in this way.

Dogs Do What Works for Them

If the last time your dog barked at you and you gave him TLC in some form or fashion – you just reinforced the barking.

Understand that during your process of “doing nothing” your dog barking to get what he wants, is perfectly natural.

You will then develop the patience you need to wait him out.

Here’s what to expect:

Your dog’s barking will get worse before it gets better

If barking is not working for him, he may try other things to get your attention like jumping up on you.

As you continue to not provide him with any feedback at all, (TLC), the barking for attention will subside and eventually stop altogether.
Be forewarned: he may try barking again a week or so after he’s been quiet just to see if it will work.

Just do nothing. Absolutely nothing. It will finally flat line and go away.

Make sure your dog is getting his attention fix in other positive and constructive ways.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.
I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

Apples & Oranges Dog Training

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The Choices of Dog Training Confuse Me

 

 

 

The old aying of “it’s like apples and oranges” applies when choosing the best dog training for you and your dog.

You have an ill-mannered dog and you’re frustrated on how to choose the best way to approach getting this fixed.

Let’s Discuss 4 Ways to Get Dog Training

The first way is to train your dog yourself.

Before you and I look at ways to train it’s important to understand that the ideal sequence of obedience training is:

First teach your dog his basic commands in a comfortable place with no distractions.

There will be much less anxiety and frustration for you and your dog. This will allow him to learn much faster.

What’s the best optimal learning environment? Most would agree that this would be his home.

Once he learns his commands, you add relevant distractions:

  • your kids
  • their friends
  • your friends
  • manners at mealtime and
  • front door

Assuming you tried that but you’re still frustrated, we just have 3 ways.

  • Group classes
  • Board and train
  • Private lessons in your home

Let’s Take a Look at Each Approach to Training Your Dog

Group classes

A great thing about group classes is they are definitely the most economical way to get an understanding of how to train your dog.

Group class doesn’t provide a distraction-free environment for good lesson focus. You must learn the lesson in group class, then teach your dog on your own at home.

Also, group classes don’t provide the distractions you face every day with your dog.

Example: Did you practice having a sit down dinner as part of your dog’s distraction in class?

Example: Did you get to have your youngest running around the back yard as a distraction class?
Will you remember everything taught in class? Will you know exactly how to apply your lessons at home?

It can eventually work. If, you take what you learned in group and train your dog daily at your home around meaningful distractions. It will all depend on you.

 

Board and train

You may feel you don’t have the time or ability to train your dog.

I understand that frustration.

You may want to consider a board and train program for your dog, turning him over to a trainer at a training facility.

Here are some considerations:

Who’s training your dog?

Will they be kind and compassionate through the process?

If you choose this option, you owe it to your dog to know the trainer of your dog.

Here are some questions to ask your trainer in a pre-board and train interview.

  • Can I see where my dog will stay during his training?
  • How long have you been training?
  • Can I come and visit my dog during training?
  • What kind of training do you use? (positive reinforcement is best)
  • What kind of equipment will you be using with my dog?
  • How many times a day and how long each time does the trainer work with my dog?
  • How will you teach me what I need to know about my dog’s training?
  • Where will you teach me what I need to know?

 

Your dog is trained and ready to go home.
Most board and train programs have “transfer lessons” for you once your dog has completed the training.

This is the time the trainer of your dog uses to show you what your dog has learned and how you need to execute the commands.

Some trainers have the transfer lessons at their facility because of convenience. Others work with you in the home (ideal.)

Remember, the trainer has spent the last 2-4 weeks developing a consistent working relationship with your dog. You do not have this.

Your dog listens to the trainer because of this relationship and the repetitive work on commands you wanted him to do for you.

Your dog was trained at the training facility, not at your home around your kids, their friends, your friends, mealtimes and front door greetings.

From your dog’s perspective, life finally returns to normal (his normal) once home.

 

I’ve trained hundreds of dogs in board and train.

 

The biggest challenge was always getting the owner to be able to elicit the same response from their dog that I got over the last 2-4 weeks.

It’s impossible to transfer this working relationship in just a few basic command transfer lessons.

  • Giving your dog a command and expecting him to obey is one thing.
  • Giving your dog a command and knowing he will obey is special.
  • The difference is that working relationship developed over time.

Who has the relationship with your dog?

Private lessons in your home

Ultimately you and only you have the responsibility of teaching and training your dog to respond to you.
As a dedicated dog owner, understand that having a well-mannered dog begins with the relationship between you and your dog.

That relationship is built on trust and respect through training.
This relationship is the foundation to good manners and a connection you can achieve in no other way.
You are a special breed yourself.

Take the time to develop that relationship by training in your home. Training around relevant distractions:

  • your kids,
  • their friends,
  • your friends and
  • other distractions like manners at mealtime and more.

With private lessons in your home, a trainer “guides you” through that process at your own pace.

Most of my new clients say, “You’re really here to train me, right?”

If you know that, then you know your dog is the easy part of the relationship.

It’s you that is the challenge.

Who will your dog listen to? You decide.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.
I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

Practical Training Tips for Puppies

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Are You Training Your Puppy or New Dog in a Way That’s Convenient for You?

 

 

Instead of teaching him what he should be learning? You’re asking for trouble.

Here’s what I mean.

You assume if you let your puppy outside in the back yard to potty, he will. That lets you take care of other things in the house. You assume he has gone potty, but you don’t know for sure.

If you let your puppy have free run of your home (because he whines or barks in the crate), it may be more convenient for you. But he will probably get into trouble chewing stuff he shouldn’t. He will probably also potty somewhere when you’re not looking.

I get it. I work with a lot of stay-at-home moms saddled with the responsibility of training a new puppy; along with raising kids that have crazy, busy schedules.

As the mom, you’re trying to find time to train your puppy who’s greatest joy is jumping and nipping the kids. Talk about an overwhelming task!

Puppy Training Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming

It really doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need better guidance and a few tips on training.

In no time, you’ll be able to shape up and train your four legged child. Well, almost no time.

Here’s a common overwhelming scenario.

Early morning wake up, breakfast on the table, get the kids off to school, while managing the puppy.

Training Tips Made Easy

Need help?

Try these training tips for a morning wake up schedule:

  • Get the puppy out to potty On Leash and take care of his business first thing.
  • Take your puppy with you to wake the kids up. Take him on leash, to each of their rooms. Require a sit at the door and a sit at bedside. This becomes part of your daily routine. Use treats to get a sit if necessary.
  • Then back to the kitchen to make breakfast. But first, do some quick sits and downs before you tether or crate your puppy.
  • I like tethering him in the kitchen with a stuffed bone or chew toy while you feed the kids. By tethering him in the kitchen, he will soon learn to settle on his place during mealtimes.

But What About the Rest of the Day?

Have a daily schedule for all your puppy’s activities:

  • Eating
  • Resting (nap time in the crate) while you are home
  • Training
  • Supervised playtime with the kids

When you do this, both and you and your puppy’s day and week get organized.

Life becomes much less stressful for you both with everything on the calendar.

You have now eliminated the question of: “What do I do and when do I do it?”

With these training tips you’ll know when to be with your puppy, and what you are going to do with your puppy.

Most moms I’ve worked with find writing out a daily schedule and sticking to it works really well!

When your puppy is alone in his crate, give him a stuffed Kong toy or food dispensing toy for him to work on to get part of his meal.

This allows him to associate positive things with his time in his crate.

Before you know it he will be okay with his alone time even when family is home.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.

3 Things to Expect From Your Dog

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I have just a few things I expect from my dog, but he’s just not doing them.

I don’t think I’m being unreasonable.

I concur. We should expect certain things from our dogs. But, only if we have first taught them to give us those things.

Here Are 3 Things You Expect From Your Dog

 

  1. My dog should not jump on people.
  2. My dog is an adult and should not be going potty in the house.
  3. My dog has no reason to destroy things when I’m gone.

Your dog is simply not measuring up to your expectations. What is wrong with this dog!

A wise and well-known horse trainer, Buck Brannaman once wrote in his book, Believe: “Discipline yourself as you would discipline your horse. As you look at your horse’s problem, it causes you to look at your own problems. It’s a never-ending loop.”

Let’s Apply This Expectation Loop to You and Your Dog

This should open your eyes about your reasonable expectations between you and your dog.

But, only if you are honest with yourself and sincerely want to apply this simple concept to your life with your dog.

I’ll be honest here too. It will take work and consistent application to teach your dog what you expect from him.

You will use less energy in the long run teaching your dog what you expect in comparison to the energy you spend correcting your dog.

The bonus is that in the process you will also deepen your relationship with your dog. I’m sure there are more, but I’ll break down these three dog behavior problems for you just in case I’ve struck a nerve.

Jumping Dog Problem

No one likes a dog jumping all over them. It just goes against our grain of social etiquette, right? Dogs jump to greet!

You taught him to greet this way.

Most of the jumping of your dog is a direct result of petting and rewarding the jumping as a puppy or new dog.

Plus you have not taught your dog what alternate behavior you expect as a better way to greet.

You should have begun the first day he came into your life. If you didn’t, it’s never too late to start. It may take you a few weeks (4 weeks) of consistent daily work but you’ll succeed if you work at it. Remember, each time you teach a sit to greet or keep 4 on the floor when greeting you or anyone else, it is one less time he jumps.

That’s progress! To set you up to begin your work, I’ve got your solution to start fixing your dog jumping problem.

Staying Well House Trained

No one likes to pick up/clean up after their dog outside much less inside your own home. Does your home smell like a kennel? That’s embarrassing isn’t it?

This begins to stress you out keeping you upset with your dog all the time. In turn, your dog becomes stressed and anxious as he reads your emotional energy every day.

If you are having a house soiling problem with your dog, it’s how he is dealing with the stress. He’s marking territory to feel more secure (assuming no medical issues.)

Again, I have some answers for your house soiling problem. It will help you understand and resolve this issue once and for all.

How About Your Dog’s Destructive Chewing?

It’s no fun replacing things you value, least of all when your dog has destroyed these things in your absence.

Yet somehow he’s at it again. Busy at work the moment you leave.

A dog problem like chewing is also stress related and can be traced back to his environment and/or his relationship with you.

If this has been an ongoing issue with your dog then it’s time to get down to business on fixing this issue.

Once again, I’ve done your homework for you and give you 3 ways to help your dog and his chewing problem.

These are just 3 issues I see every day. Have I described your dog above? If not, then what are some of the expectations your dog is not meeting? Let me know in the comments. Might be a great article in the making!

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy. I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way

How Do I Stop My Dog from Doing—

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How do I stop my dog from doing —You Fill in the Blank!

 

Your blank may be filled with:

My dog jumps.

My dog steals my stuff.

My dog counter-surfs.

My dog digs in the back yard.

My dog barks at people walking by.

The list of complaints goes on and is never ending.

I Want My Dog to Quit?

Quit what?

It’s the age old question that, from your point of view as a dog owner, needs an immediate solution. Today! Better yet, yesterday!

However, this age old question from a trainer’s point of view begs another question.

I know, you’re never supposed to answer a question with a question.

Perhaps this is the one time where it’s okay. You’ll see what I mean when I ask the question.

Here’s my question.

What would you prefer your dog do?

Your Solution is in Your answer to Your Problem

 

That’s going to make you think a little, or a lot. It all depends on your list of grievances with your dog.

Thinking takes energy on your part, but here’s the thing about energy.

If you had spent the same amount of energy training your dog to do what you prefer instead of the constant corrections and complaining, we would not be having this conversation, would we?

There is High Value in Replacement Behavior

Your dog’s bad behavior never changes when you only correct him. He’s just doing what works for him (corrections are attention) AND because you haven’t taught him any different.

Once you “stop” the bad behavior there is a void to fill.

Until you fill the void with the “replacement behavior” YOU want, it will keep filling back up with the bad behavior that drives you nuts!

Here’s how you can get a head start.

Organize Your Objectives in Teaching the Replacing Behaviors

 

I like lists.

Lists help me to stay organized and prioritized with the things I need to do and in what order.

List all the inappropriate behaviors your dog does, what causes them (triggers) and then put down what you would prefer your dog do instead.

Each of your dog’s behavior is its own separate line item.

Don’t forget to prioritize them with the most irritating behaviors at the top of the list.

Here’s an Example of Listing Bad Behaviors You Want to Change

 

Bad Behavior: Jumping Trigger: Visitor I prefer: Sit to greet

Bad Behavior: Counter-surfing Trigger: Food on counter I prefer: down/stay while I’m cooking

Remember, there is more value in the replacement behavior because once taught, it becomes a win-win for you both.

There is also less stress on your dog knowing what to do and when to do it.

With your list now done, you can start working on each behavior, one at a time.

It goes without saying that the more practice you do on your own, the better your dog performs when real visitors come over or when you’re cooking a real meal.

Knowing the Root Cause Makes Fixing Dog Behavior Problems Easier

 

If you know WHY your dog is stealing your stuff you can fix the problem easier.

Maybe it’s attention from you that he’s not getting and it’s his way of engaging you. In his mind corrections are attention and apparently it works for him.

Do you keep his mind challenged?

I would say it’s a “safe bet” that you would never “over challenge” your dog. Most family dogs like yours are never over challenged and in fact sleep an average of 17 hours a day!

If you think about it, your dog lies around sleeping and waiting for you to come home and engage with him. Hoping you will challenge him physically and mentally.

If you don’t engage with your dog, he will try and light a fire under you by stealing your stuff as if to say, “Catch me if you can!”

If you don’t want to walk your dog because of bad weather, create mental fatigue by doing rapid fire sits and downs for 2 minutes three times in the evening.

You do have 6 minutes a day for your dog, right?

Challenge him by requiring him to work for his dinner by getting it out of a roller-ball (doggie food dispensing toy) that will take much, much longer than doing a quick “sit-and-gulp” his food in 60 seconds.

Challenging your dog using his food is smart. He will be mentally and physically exhausted. What’s the old saying? “A tired dog is a good dog.” A tired dog won’t steal your stuff.

So challenge your dog mentally and physically. Remember to think of what you would prefer your dog to do in each situation where he “acts out.”

Teaching him preferred behaviors expends less energy on your part and it’s a win-win for you both.

Together We Can Raise A Happy and Obedient Dog

 

You got your dog for a reason. You wanted to share your life with a happy and loving dog. But now, your dog has big problems and life is not happy.

I can help you get that happy, well behaved dog back. We’ll work together at your speed and both you and your dog will have fun every step of the way.