Provide the Right Foundation for Learning
Mental stimulation is the second most overlooked need of problem dogs. Learning new things and solving problems make life interesting and give smart dogs something to do, and it keeps them out of trouble! All dogs, regardless of breed or energy level, are intelligent and interactive creatures that love new experiences.
Dogs that are tied outside, constantly frustrated and emotionally neglected, may start off friendly and welcoming but eventually become aggressive and wary of strangers. They have nothing to do, nothing to think about, and are absolutely bored. Dogs like this, even early in their adult lives (two to three years old), are hard to train. They aren't stupid or uncooperative, just blank. They simply do not know how to learn.
Lack of early stimulation and training makes it more difficult to teach any animal at a later date, because a dog has no basis for and doesn't quite know what to make out of the attention. It is possible to teach these dogs, but it takes patience, repetition, and practice. The training methods and tools described in the succeeding chapters will help you teach your dog anything you care to take the time to teach her.
Teach Your Dog to Think
The training methods described in this book teach your dog how to think and solve problems, which is important for any dog. The techniques are commonly referred to as “clicker training,” and they are based in proven scientific theory. The rules and guidelines will show you how to use this method to teach your dog anything physically possible. It is exciting to see a dog grasp the concept of what you are trying to accomplish and to watch her respond without needing any corrections!
As you read and do research, you will find that there is no one way to train a dog. As your dog's primary caretaker, it is your job to find the methods that get the job done without harming your relationship. Find a trainer who emphasizes building your relationship with your dog.
All puppies should attend a well-run puppy kindergarten class that instructs you how to teach your dog the basic commands — Sit, Down, Stay, Come — how to walk without pulling, and to come when called. The class should also offer a playtime for dogs in the eight-to eighteen-week range and should be staff-supervised so everyone has a good experience.
It is crucial to the normal social development of your dog that she gets to play with other puppies and safe, well-socialized adult dogs on a regular basis. The more good experiences your young puppy has, the easier it will be to teach her anything later in life.
Look for the following qualities when you search for a dog-training school:
A limited class size with an instructor/assistant-to-student ratio of 1:6 is ideal.
The age of the puppies accepted should be no older than 18 weeks.
Handouts or homework sheets to explain exercises are important so that lessons can be shared among family members.
The whole family should be welcome to attend. (If you include your children, make sure there are at least two adults so one can supervise he kids while the other focuses on training the dog.)
All training methods should be positively based; ideally clicker training.
Demonstrations should be given with untrained dogs to show the progression of exercises.
Volunteers or assistants who help with the management of the class should be available to ensure that you get the help you need.
If a method makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. If you're not sure if something will work but the technique won't do any harm, go ahead and try it so you can see for yourself. Your dog will benefit greatly from an owner who is committed to finding the best way possible to train her to be the best companion she can be.
The best judge of a good puppy kindergarten — or any obedience class for that matter — is you. Ask if you can observe a class before signing up. Make sure the methods taught are kind and gentle and that the puppies seem to be getting it. Go on your gut instinct. If you like the instructor and she seems like a person you can learn from, sign up. Train your dog; it's the nicest way to say you love her!
Practice and Consistency Are Key
As with anything in which you want to excel, the more you practice, the better at it you will become. All training is a learned skill; the more you work with your dog, the more effective you'll be as a trainer and as a team. For example, the beginning trainer is notoriously stingy with rewards, and her timing needs some work. Through lots of practice, you will find and develop your own training style, discovering what works for you and expanding upon it.
You can find tons of resources — books, videos, and Internet sites — that will tell you everything you'll ever want to know about behavior and training. Search for obedience classes in your area and keep at it. Remember that you and your dog are going to be together for a very long time — maybe even 10 to 12 years or longer. You will both benefit from the time you spend teaching her how to learn. Start your dog on the road to higher learning today!
