Dog Obedience Training A New Approach

by John Rapp



Obedience training is one of the most important things you can do - for your dog and for yourself. The goal is to lay the obedience groundwork between you and your dog, and be able to use that foundation to overcome any behavior problems.


Its all about communication. Effective communication with your dog is extremely important. You can teach a dog anything with proper communication. On the other hand, without proper communication, it will be nearly impossible.


Dogs are fun-loving animals, and without any training they will act like... animals! They will keep you awake all night barking, urinate and defecate on your furniture, chew up your belongings and just generally destroy your home. They might even bite you, or harm themselves by attacking another dog or running around in the street. You dont want your dog bolting for the door anytime freedom is offered him, and you dont want to spend hours trying to find a dog who doesnt understand where his home is. All of these things can be cleared up quickly and easily with the right obedience training.


Most 'behavior problems,' or things we humans dont want happening, are completely normal behavior for dogs. The problem lies in that they occur at the wrong time or place. For example, your dog will urinate all over your brand new carpet instead of urinating outside like you want him to; or your dog will bark endlessly, all night long, for seemingly no reason, instead of barking only when theres a creepy burglar creeping around outside your home, waiting to attack. Dogs are naturally good-natured animals: they want to help protect you and your family and live a happy life. They just need some coaching to direct their instinctive behaviors to work in more modern living spaces, such as your home or apartment.


Dog obedience training also establishes the owner (you) as the pack leader. As pack leader, you lay down clear behaviour guidelines for the pack to follow. This is the social hierarchy of the canine family, and if there is no pack leader established, the dog will assume he is the pack leader. This is why dog obedience training is very important. All dogs have an extremely wide capacity to learn basic and even extremely complicated obedience. They just need someone to teach it to them.


But dont get ahead of yourself just yet. The first step in obedience training is to have fun with the dog, show him love and compassion. Give your dog a reason to respect you, and a reason to listen to the guidance you have to offer. You should only use commands such as 'stay' when you literally want your dog to stay - such as while on a walk or if he has run away from you too far. Do not use 'stay' if the dog has no choice BUT to stay - such as leaving your dog in your car for a minute while you run in and cash your paycheck.


Just begin by respecting your dogs behavior, whatever it may be, and gently lay groundwork as to what is and what is not acceptable. Praise your dog for good behaviour instead of chastising him for bad behavior. This, in turn, lets your dog know the proper way to behave, and the good behavior replaces the inappropriate behavior.


Never abuse your dog in hopes of proper obedience training. Every dog has a different personality, just like people are each different. Learn your dogs personality, and you will be able to learn how to train them. But also be willing to learn from your dog, and have your dog teach you lessons.


Above all, always remember the reason you got a dog to begin with: companionship, happiness and fun.




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