What Separates a Good Dog Trainer from a Great Dog Trainer?
When it comes to training your furry friend, you want to make sure you’re investing in the best possible trainer. While there are plenty of good trainers out there, what sets the great ones apart? In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between a good dog trainer and a great dog trainer, highlighting some of the most well-known trainers in the industry, including Doggy Dan, Ian Dunbar, Will Atherton, and others.
The Importance of Pack Leadership and a Calm Demeanor
One of the key differences between a good trainer and a great trainer is their ability to establish pack leadership and maintain a calm demeanor. Great trainers understand the importance of being a strong and confident leader, as dogs are pack animals that naturally look to their leader for guidance and direction.
Doggy Dan, for example, emphasizes the importance of establishing pack leadership through a calm and assertive approach. Similarly, Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and dog trainer, believes that dogs thrive under strong, fair leadership and advocates for positive reinforcement training methods. Will Atherton is known for his calm and gentle approach, which he believes is essential for building trust and respect with dogs.
Qualities of a Great Dog Trainer
Aside from pack leadership and a calm demeanor, great trainers possess a range of other qualities that set them apart from the rest. For example, they must be able to read and interpret a dog’s body language and communication, allowing them to understand the dog’s needs and respond appropriately. They also need to be patient, adaptable, and able to tailor their training methods to suit each individual dog’s personality and learning style.
Experience isn’t Everything
While experience is certainly valuable, it isn’t always an indicator of how good or poor a trainer is. A trainer with years of experience may still lack the necessary skills and qualities to be a great trainer, while a relatively new trainer may have a natural talent and connection with dogs that make them exceptional.
What to Look for in a Great Trainer
When looking for a great dog trainer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for trainers who prioritize positive reinforcement training methods, are knowledgeable about canine behavior, and have a calm and patient demeanor. You should also check their credentials and certifications, as well as read reviews and ask for recommendations.
Why Paying More May Be the Best Value
While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper trainer, paying more for a great trainer is ultimately the best value. A great trainer will help you achieve faster and more effective results, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
In summary, a great dog trainer possesses qualities such as pack leadership, a calm demeanor, and the ability to read and interpret canine body language. While experience is important, it isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a trainer. When looking for a great trainer, prioritize positive reinforcement methods, check their credentials and certifications, and be willing to invest in their expertise for the best results.
Teaching your dog to “wait” is an invaluable skill that can help create a calm, well-behaved dog. Unlike “stay,” which is a command that tells your dog to remain in one position, “wait” is a command that tells your dog to pause and wait for further instruction.
One of the most common situations where you might use the “wait” command is when you’re about to open a door or gate. By teaching your dog to “wait,” you can prevent them from bolting out the door or gate and potentially getting lost or injured. Instead, your dog will learn to wait patiently until you give them the signal to proceed.
Another situation where the “wait” command can be useful is when you’re feeding your dog. By teaching your dog to wait before they start eating, you can help prevent them from becoming too excited and potentially choking on their food. This also teaches your dog impulse control, which can be helpful in other areas of their life.
Teaching your dog to “wait” can also help create a calmer dog overall. When your dog understands that they need to wait for your instruction before doing something, they will be less likely to become anxious or overexcited. This can help prevent problem behaviors like jumping, barking, or digging.
It’s important to note that “wait” and “stay” are not the same commands. “Stay” is a command that tells your dog to remain in one position until you release them. “Wait,” on the other hand, is a command that tells your dog to pause and wait for further instruction. For example, you might use the “stay” command when you want your dog to remain in one spot while you go to the store. But you might use the “wait” command when you’re about to cross a busy street and need your dog to pause until it’s safe to proceed.
To teach your dog to “wait,” start by having them sit or lie down in front of you. Then, hold up your hand like a stop sign and say “wait.” If your dog tries to move, gently block them with your hand and repeat the command. Once your dog has waited for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this process several times, gradually increasing the amount of time your dog needs to wait before being rewarded.
In conclusion, teaching your dog to “wait” is a valuable skill that can help create a calmer, more well-behaved dog. By using the “wait” command in situations where you need your dog to pause and wait for further instruction, you can prevent problem behaviors and promote impulse control. And by teaching your dog this skill, you can build a stronger bond and better communication with your furry friend.
How to Handle Excessive Barking with Gentle Methods
What’s the Problem?
Excessive barking is a common problem among dog owners. It can be caused by many factors, including boredom, anxiety, fear, or even pain. In most cases, excessive barking can be managed with proper training and understanding of the dog’s needs. The goal of such training is to teach the dog when it is appropriate to bark and when it should remain quiet. With patience and consistency, owners can help their dogs learn how to control their barking in order to prevent any disruptions or annoyances for both themselves and their neighbors.
Say “Thank You”
If you want to train your dog to bark less, it’s important to start with a low energy approach. I present to you two options. The first is the “Thank you” or “Make Nothing of it” method presented by Dan Abdelnoor (Doggy Dan).
This 3-step method is designed to help you achieve that. First, when your dog barks, simply say “thank you” in a calm voice. This will help your dog understand that barking is not the desired behavior. At the second set of barks, get up and take a look at what your dog is barking at. Once again, say “thank you” in a calm voice and then turn your back and walk away. If there is a 3rd set of barks then it’s time to isolate your dog for a few minutes. With patience and consistency, this 3-step method can help reduce excessive barking and make it easier for both of you to enjoy peaceful moments together.
Saying a simple “thank you” to your dog can go a long way in calming them down and showing them that you recognize their concern. This approach is often more effective than a high-energy response, as it helps to keep the situation low-key and prevents any further escalation.
Not only does saying “thank you” help to show your dog that their efforts are appreciated, but it also serves as an important reminder to stay calm in the face of challenging situations. By recognizing your dog’s concern and responding with gratitude, you can help them feel more secure and comfortable when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Using “Doggish”
The second method comes from Stanley Coren’s “How to Speak Dog”. First, move to your dog’s side, in a kneeling position. Place your left hand under the collar, at the back of the dog’s neck and pull gently upward. Fold your right hand over the top of the dog’s muzzle and press down. In a quiet, business-like, unemotional tone, you simply say “quiet”. Repeat as necessary. Depending on the breed, it may take anywhere from two to a couple of dozen repetitions to associate the cue “quiet” with an end to barking.
Conclusion
It is clear that excessive barking can be a nuisance, but with patience and consistency, it can be managed. Doggy Dan’s online dog training course provides owners with the tools they need to teach their dogs how to bark less and stay calm. Meanwhile, Stanley Coren’s book provides an in-depth look at how dogs learn and how owners can use this knowledge to train their dogs effectively. With the right guidance, patience and consistency, any dog owner can help their pet become a calmer and more obedient companion.
Dog training is a critical part of being a responsible dog owner. But how should you go about it? Is punishment an appropriate method of getting your pup to behave the way you want them to? This is an ongoing debate between those who believe in positive reinforcement only and those who are willing to use punishment as needed. Let’s take a look at both sides of the argument.
The Argument for Positive Reinforcement Only
Zak George, among other dog trainers, has pushed for positive reinforcement-only methods for training dogs. His argument is that punishment techniques can be harmful to your pooch’s health and wellbeing. In fact, he claims that research confirms this claim. According to him, using rewards such as treats or praise instead of punishments will make your pup more likely to respond positively and build trust with you faster than punishing them would.
The Argument Against Positive Reinforcement Only
On the other hand, there are those who argue that we can’t definitively say that punishment is harmful based on current research. They cite studies which have shown no lasting harm resulting from punishment used in conjunction with positive reinforcement. They also point out that no matter what kind of training method you use, it’s important to never use physical force when disciplining your dog—that includes hitting or yelling at them. The goal is always to help your pup understand what they did wrong without causing any long-term damage or trauma to them.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, both sides have valid points when it comes to whether or not you should use punishment for dog training. If you’re still unsure about which approach is best for you and your pup, speak to a qualified trainer who can help guide you in the right direction depending on your individual needs and situation. Regardless of which route you choose, remember that patience and consistency are key when it comes to successful dog training—and don’t forget those treats!
Most people think that dogs are dumb and uninteresting, but they’re wrong. Dogs may not be able to pass the SAT or learn Spanish, but they have some amazing abilities that can really impress you. These include the fact that they can read your facial expressions and predict when their favorite people will come home. In addition to having a few tricks up their sleeves, dogs are also capable of learning commands quickly and obeying them on demand—and this isn’t just some silly trick for entertainment purposes! It turns out there’s more going on in Fido’s head than we ever realized before: there’s actually science behind why these furry friends seem so smart sometimes (and other times less so).
Pups’ intelligence levels can vary widely.
Intelligence is a spectrum. The more intelligent a dog is, the better he or she can learn–and it’s not just about obedience. Intelligence also determines how well your pup will react in unfamiliar situations, whether he or she can follow directions when distracted by other stimuli and whether or not you have to be constantly repeating yourself over time (or risk losing your patience).
There are countless ways that dogs show their intelligence–they’re all unique individuals with their own personalities! Some dogs may be more motivated than others; some might take longer than others to learn new tricks; but all of them have one thing in common: they want to please us more than anything else on earth.
A dog’s breed can affect its brainpower.
It’s no secret that dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big, some are small; some have long hair while others sport shiny coats. But what you may not know is that the breed of a dog can also have an effect on its intelligence and trainability.
The smartest dog breeds are often determined by how well they can perform in certain tests, such as intelligence and agility. However, there’s more to a dog’s intelligence than just these physical qualities–there’s also the emotional component that plays into it as well! The smartest dogs are those who excel at problem-solving or have high levels of cognition and self-awareness.
There’s no such thing as dumb dogs, but there are breeds that tend to be smarter than others
Dogs are smart. They’re trainable, but they don’t all learn in the same way. Some breeds are more intelligent than others, while some are more trainable. And even within a breed there can be individual differences in intelligence and temperament that affect how well your dog learns new tricks or obeys commands from you (or anyone else).
Dog breeds differ widely in their ability to learn new things–and this includes tricks! Some dogs take easily to learning tricks like “sit” or “roll over,” while others need lots of patient repetition before they understand what you’re asking them to do. And if your dog is stubborn about learning new things? Don’t worry: That doesn’t mean she’s dumb; it just means she needs some extra encouragement along the way!
You might be able to build a stronger bond with a smart dog.
If you’re looking to build a stronger bond with your dog, a smart one may be the way to go. Research has shown that dogs with a high intelligence level are more likely to bond with their owners. In fact, some breeds are so intelligent that they can communicate with humans via body language and other methods.
A study by Stanley Coren showed that there was no correlation between breed size and intelligence; however, there was an inverse relationship between brain size (as measured by skull capacity) and intelligence within each breed group studied (i.e., larger brains were associated with lower intelligence).
How Do We Measure How Smart a Dog Is?
When it comes to the smartest breeds of dogs, there are several factors that go into measuring how smart a dog is. These include:
-The ability to learn and understand new things quickly
-How well it can follow directions
-The ability to solve problems on its own
-The amount of time it takes for them to get bored with a toy or activity
So let’s take a look at some of the smartest breeds out there and find out why they’re so smart!
The Smartest Breeds
1. Border Collie – This breed is known for being extremely intelligent and loyal to their owners. They also thrive on working with humans and can be trained to do almost anything, making them great working dogs as well as pets!
2. Poodle – These pups are known for being extremely intelligent but also somewhat difficult to train because they’re so independent-minded! These guys are great at learning tricks, especially if they have something motivating them like food or playtime—but they also make good family pets because they’re very playful!
3. German Shepherd – This breed excels at obedience training but also loves to be around people and make friends with other dogs. They’re incredibly affectionate but also protective, making them an excellent choice for families who want both a guard dog and an active companion!
3. Golden Retriever – Not only are these pups smart, they’re also incredibly friendly! Their sweet personalities make them a great fit for families with children or anyone who wants to spend lots of time playing with their pet every day!
5. Doberman Pinschers are some of the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, they’re the 5th smartest dog breed for obedience & working intelligence. But even so, what makes them truly smart is their ability to gauge perceived threats in nearly any situation and environment. It’s why they’re the premiere guard dogs.
6. Labrador Retriever – The Lab is certainly a smart dog breed, but they are also gentle, courageous and easy to raise. They’re excellent family dogs and great around kids. Needless to say, Labs are the perfect companion dogs. No guessing why this “Jack of All Trades” has been an American favorite for decades.
**Note:I didn’t list the Shetland Sheepdog in the 6th position because it’s basically a small Collie who are great herders and amazing at showing off all of the great tricks they can do.
Conclusion
I should mention that thePapillons belongs near the top of that list, and I bet you have your own thoughts as well about which breed is the smartest. Let me know in the replies, below. In the meantime, remember this, the next time someone tries to tell you that their dog is smarter than yours, don’t get upset. Instead, tell them about all the amazing things your pup can do and how much he loves to learn!
Whistle training for dogs is effective because it uses a high-pitched sound that can be heard from a distance, which allows the dog to be trained to respond to the sound even when they are far away from the trainer. Additionally, dogs do not associate whistles with positive or negative reinforcement, meaning that the sound does not have any prior emotional connotation for the dog, making it a neutral and consistent signal. This allows the dog to focus on the sound itself, rather than any other distractions or emotions. Furthermore, whistle training can be done in a variety of environments, making it a versatile and practical training method.
Why Use Positive Reinforcement With Whistle Training?
Positive reinforcement with whistle training for dogs works by using a whistle to signal to the dog that they have performed a desired behavior correctly. The dog is then immediately rewarded with a treat, praise, or a positive interaction, such as a game or affection. This type of training uses the principle of operant conditioning, where the dog learns that a specific behavior results in a positive outcome, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future.
How To Start
The process of whistle training typically starts with basic obedience commands, such as sit and stay. The trainer will blow the whistle and give the command, and when the dog performs the behavior correctly, they will immediately be rewarded with a treat or praise. As the dog becomes more familiar with the whistle and the commands, the trainer can gradually decrease the frequency of rewards and increase the complexity of the behaviors being trained.
Training is done without your dog being on a lead. Begin by being only a foot away. Blow the whistle and offer a treat. Increase the distance as long as your dog responds correctly. If not, shorten the distance. Vary your rewards and make sure your dog has the best chance to succeed. End on a positive result and repeat as often as possible, daily if you can. These sessions don’t need to last more than a few minutes.
Release your dog after rewarding. That means you should never place a lead on her or take her away from roaming about. You want the experience to always be positive. The goal is to have your dog check in with you.
Summary
Overall, positive reinforcement with whistle training is an effective and humane way to train dogs as it utilizes rewards and positive interactions to shape the dog’s behavior and build a strong bond between the dog and the trainer.
Agility games are becoming an increasingly popular activity for pet owners to do with their canine companions. They provide not only great exercise, but they also help improve the relationship between dog and owner. So why exactly should you be incorporating agility games into your routine?
For starters, agility games can be an excellent form of exercise for both dogs and humans. Dogs need daily physical stimulation and agility games provide just that. By playing agility games, dogs will get plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Not to mention that these activities also help strengthen the bond between pet and parent by teaching basic commands, like “sit,” “come,” and “stay.”
Agility games can also improve your dog’s confidence levels. As dogs become better at a certain game or task, their sense of accomplishment increases – making them feel good about themselves! Furthermore, as they gain more confidence in their skills, it makes them easier to train in other areas as well.
Lastly, agility games can even reduce problem behaviors like excessive barking or hyperactivity in dogs. By providing positive reinforcement through the reward-based training involved with agility games, these problem behaviors are less likely to occur as your pup learns appropriate behavior during playtime.
Overall, introducing agility games into your routine can bring numerous benefits to you and your four-legged friend. From increased exercise levels and strengthened bonds between pet and parent to improved confidence levels in your pup and decreased problem behaviors – there are so many great reasons why you should give these activities a try!
Dog training is an essential part of having a happy and obedient pet. One of the most effective ways to train your dog is through the use of operant conditioning, which has many benefits for both you and your pup. Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which the consequences of a behavior are used to modify it. By using operant training, owners can quickly and effectively teach their dog the desired behavior and create an obedient and well-behaved pet. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of using operant conditioning to train your dog.
What is operant conditioning? Operant conditioning is a form of positive dog training that focuses on rewarding desired behavior with positive reinforcement. This training method works by creating an association between an action and a reward or consequence, making it easier for the dog to learn the desired behaviors. With this method, the reward acts as a motivator, encouraging the dog to repeat the desired behavior in the future.
What Trainers Use Operant Conditioning? Many well-known and respected dog trainers use operant conditioning in their positive dog training. Popular trainers such as Victoria Stilwell, The Monks of New Skete, and Cesar Millan are just a few of the experts who rely on operant conditioning to effectively train dogs. Operant conditioning is an important tool that has been around since the 1940s but has become increasingly popular in recent years. Victoria Stilwell, the well-known dog behavior specialist, said that “Operant conditioning allows us to use positive dog training methods to reinforce desirable behavior and gently fade out undesired behaviors.” Similarly, The Monks of New Skete have said that they believe operant conditioning is an important part of effective positive dog training. Through their own research and experience, they have come to understand that operant conditioning can be a powerful tool for helping dogs learn the right behavior and make them happy.
The benefits of operant conditioning for difficult behaviors Operant conditioning is a positive and highly-effective way of modifying dog behavior that has proven effective on difficult behaviors. Difficult behaviors can include things like barking, digging, and jumping on people. When operant conditioning is used, it helps to reward the dog for desired behaviors and ignore or give a consequence for undesirable behaviors. By using positive reinforcement, operant conditioning can be used to teach your dog to stop engaging in difficult behaviors. Rewards such as verbal praise, treats, or access to toys can be used to reinforce the desired behavior and discourage undesirable behavior. Through this process, your dog will learn that certain behaviors are more desirable than others and will begin to exhibit those behaviors more frequently. Operant conditioning is also great for teaching complex behaviors such as recall, loose leash walking, and commands such as sit and stay. By gradually introducing a new behavior and rewarding when the desired behavior is displayed, you can help your dog become more proficient at the skill. Operant conditioning can also be used to shape existing behaviors and refine them over time. In summary, operant conditioning is an incredibly effective way to modify difficult behaviors in your dog and help them learn new skills quickly and efficiently. It’s a great way to teach your dog positive behaviors while still giving them an enjoyable experience.
How to get started with operant conditioning The first step in implementing operant conditioning is to identify the desired behaviors you want your dog to learn. Once these behaviors have been identified, the next step is to create an environment where the desired behavior can be reinforced. For example, if you want your dog to sit before they are given their food, create an environment where they will always be rewarded with a treat when they sit. After creating the environment, begin by teaching your dog the basic command associated with the desired behavior. For example, teach your dog the “sit” command and then reward them with a treat every time they perform the behavior correctly. With enough repetition and reinforcement, your dog will eventually learn the desired behavior without needing a treat every time. It is important to remember that operant conditioning takes time and patience; however, once it is mastered, it can be a very powerful tool for teaching your dog new behaviors. With consistent practice and reinforcement, operant conditioning can help your dog learn faster and become a better-behaved companion. Once you have mastered the basics of operant conditioning, you can use it to train your dog more advanced behaviors, such as walking on a leash or coming when called. You can even use operant conditioning to teach your dog obedience and agility skills. The possibilities are endless! Learning how to use operant conditioning to effectively train your dog can be an invaluable asset to any pet owner.
Summary Operant conditioning is an effective and positive dog training method that can be used to teach your pup new behaviors. Through positive reinforcement, operant conditioning can help your dog learn faster, while also making difficult behaviors easier to manage. By understanding the principles of operant conditioning and implementing them into your dog’s training regimen, you can create a stronger bond with your pup and have a more enjoyable training experience. If you want to learn more about how Pack Leader Dog Training can help you use positive reinforcement to train your dog, contact us today and let’s get started!
Wouldn’t you like to enter your yard or house without worrying about your dog jumping all over you?
Training your dog to stop jumping can be done by almost anyone, given some time and by learning the techniques. The challenge is to ensure that the unwanted behavior doesn’t return.
You have a choice; teach a trick/train to solve a problem, or change the dog’s mind by employing permanent solutions that help to solve many common problems.
This first video demonstrates the power of ignoring your dog whenever you return from a separation. It is just one of a few simple rules, that when used consistently, creates a powerful shift in your dogs’ behavior.
My 7-year-old dog, Phoebe, has lived outside, on ranches for her whole life. It wasn’t until she was a few months from her 7th birthday that she was trained with the Calming Code. She would constantly jump up on people when they entered the yard. That has changed drastically. Sure, there are times when she still jumps at the gate, but she doesn’t stay up on the gate and she quickly “switches off” and stops all jumping.
In fact, most of the time, she runs to the gate, looks me over, and then does a lap around the property as if to show me she cleared the property of all danger. When she returns, she waits until I call her over to give her pats and cuddles. That might be anywhere from five to fifteen minutes later.
Dogs can be taught to switch on and off by simply following a few easy steps. In this video, Phoebe quickly switches from walking calmly to playing and back to a calm walk.
A Bullet-Proof Recall
I really don’t care whether it’s a response to triggering the amygdala or a cortisol response. It works. The sound of a whistle, especially the right one (see the Acme 210.5), will have your dog returning to you quickly. And without you having to yell.
The 13-second video shown above demonstrates the power of the whistle even in extreme conditions such as being at the beach, with other dogs running around. Sadie and Sophie had only two days of training and they already know to come flying back to me when I whistle!
Whistles Aren’t Always Needed
You can also get recall using your voice and patting your leg when your dog isn’t far or distracted.
In the video, above, Maya responds pretty well to my voice commands while playing ball at the park. She’s just a bit stubborn about bringing it all the way to me ( a bit controlling, this highly intelligent girl is!). Give her credit though, we’ve only been working together for a week.
Below is Maya again, a few days before. She ignores my voice command but charges back when I blow the whistle.
Sometimes They Are
If you want to know how to help your dog become the calm, obedient, loving pet you dreamed about, give me a call or fill out the form on the home page.
Why go through the hassle when there are plenty of options on the shelves of your local market?
Here are three great reasons you should start making your own treats today:
They’re fun and easy to make: We know how much better freshly baked cookies are! And because they’re so easy to make, it’s a great family activity that will be enjoyed by everyone involved.
Each batch is as affordable as you want it to be! YOU are in control of the ingredients that are as affordable as you want.
Your dog is getting a healthy alternative to overly processed, dead food because you control the ingredients! By preparing food ourselves we know what’s going into those treats. No worries about unknown chemicals causing debilitating health issues to our furry family members.
By creating our own special treats, we can avoid bad ingredients like:
Artificial preservatives
Artificial flavors
Sugars
Salts
Grains
Soy
Various meat or offal
Keep in mind that many treats require refrigeration because you won’t use artificial preservatives to store them.
How do I Choose what treats to make?
The web is full of great recipes for making your furry family its’ favorite treats. Searching through all of your options would be exhausting. That’s why I’ve checked out a few and have posted here that are easy to make at home so you can keep your scrolling to a minimum.
Simple & Quick: The Blondcook posted this great recipe that only has 3 ingredients, makes 35 tasty treats, and takes 35 minutes from start to finish! Check out her article here.
NO BAKE: Only 3 ingredients and there’s no need to bake them! This simple recipe uses peanut butter, quick oats, and pumpkin puree (*pumpkin can help to reduce/eliminate diarrhea). NO mixer is required, just shape them by hand and then place them on a sheet and refrigerate. This recipe comes from liliesloveandluna.com
Grain-Free
(*For dogs with allergies): apples, bananas, pumpkin, and carrots are the super healthy ingredients that will have your doggy friends coming back for more.
Even with five ingredients, plus water, the total time to make and bake these special treats is only 35 minutes. Get the full article here from Home and Plate
CBD-infused: According to veternarians.org, CBD oil for dogs has been making its way across the doggie world. CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster for dogs. It not only helps relieve mild pain, but it can also help with dog anxiety and more! Now you can create your own CBD-infused treats in no time by mixing CBD-Infused Peanut Butter, frozen carrots, and oats. Check out this site to get this and other recipes.
