Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog Self-Control
Kevin Simmons
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his leash constantly
whenever there is a distraction? A child walks by, or he sees
another dog? If a cat or small animal scoots by, or if a car
wooshes in front of him, does he tug to get closer? Is he hard to
manage while visiting the vet, or when you have visitors?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then your dog
training needs to include self-control measures. A child is
taught similar things when they are growing up (don’t put your
hand on the stove, or you can’t have a cookie unless you ask,
first), a dog requires the same kind of love and attention, too.
Just as you would teach a dog how to sit, speak, come when called
or stop, you also need to provide dog training related to
self-control.
A few simple guidelines are all that are required for owners to
follow.
Teach Commands, Not Actions
When your dog lunges at something, instead of pulling tight on
their leash to get them to stop, you should instead be telling
them what to do in a firm voice. Tugging, even lightly on their
leash only tells a dog who the master is, but not what behavior
he should be exhibiting. Use this time constructively to practice
commands that are appropriate in the situation, instead.
Treat Your Dog like a Friend
Realize that sometimes, your dog just won’t be able to do what
you ask him to do, just like a good friend can’t sometimes as
well. Dog training shouldn’t be about who is in charge, but
instead about compromise and taking variables into account as
required. So don’t ask your dog to sit still if he is truly
excited about something – ask him instead to sit quietly.
Show Doggy How
Unless you show, or tell, your dog how to react, he won’t know
how. Instead, he’ll do what he always does, which is pull and tug
at his leash. Give him positive ways in which to respond to every
tempting situation, and with some guidance he’ll be able to do
what’s right.
Speak On His Terms
When you raise your voice or talk sharply, a dog hears this tone
as being excited, similar to barking. It reinforces his already
excited behavior, and gives him the idea that you are excited
too, so it should be okay! Instead, use your dog training to
speak softly and in quiet tones to get your dog to calm down, and
he’ll realize soon enough it’s not appropriate behavior for the
situation.
(c) 2005 dog-training-info.com.
Kevin Simmons is the webmaster of
http://www.dog-training-info.com
Please visit the site for more free dog training articles.
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