Friday 29 March 2013

Positive Training & Canine Relationships

Training using positive methods helps to build and solidify our relationships with our dogs.  


I am currently on maternity leave and have a 4 1/2 month old son.  I am humbled to admit that since all of my focus and energy have been on my son, I temporarily forgot this most basic principle.

I have a 6.5 year old German Shorthaired Pointer named Maddy.  She is extremely high-energy, intelligent, and well, usually nutty.  She loves to work.  For a while I got sidetracked from our training as my husband and I navigated the wonderful new world of parenthood.  I am sad to admit that I started to get annoyed with my furry, four-legged bundle of energy.  I would get irritated when she stole my son's toys.  I would get even more annoyed when I had finally got our little human to sleep and Maddy would bark and wake him up.  Understandable?  Yes.  Fair to the dog?  Not at all.  She has no idea that there is a baby trying to sleep and the rules have suddenly changed.

Recently I was fortunate enough to have my eyes re-opened to just how amazing my dog is.  We started regular training again and she makes me look good.  Seriously.  I know I make mistakes and yet she still gets it right.  She gives me great focus and attention and is driven to work.  I am lucky.  I renewed my sense of pride in my dog and was reminded that training is fun for me too.

So if you find yourself frustrated with your dog's behaviour of late and feel your relationship isn't where it could be...  may I humbly suggest some positive training sessions?  Even five minutes a day can help improve some behaviours and re-establish a bond between you and your best friend.

Instead of getting frustrated with Maddy barks at the mailman (intruder alert!), I'll remember that I've taught her to offer alternative behaviours.  I'll ask for those other behaviours and reward her for them.  We'll enjoy some quality time together and the work we'll do is an added bonus.

So - have you trained your dog today? :)


About The Author


Jillian is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), meaning her knowledge on animal learning theory, husbandry, health, ethology, training equipment, and instructing skills have all been evaluated to the standard of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.  This also includes adherence to a code of ethics and to the humane hierarchy for animal training.

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