Turning the Dog You Have
Into the Dog You Want
by Claire Liston

Most people think they can tell a “good dog” from a “bad dog” but the terms themselves are misleading. So-called “bad dogs” are generally misunderstood and poorly trained, the dog/owner relationship suffering a communication breakdown. Whether you’re starting with a dog you just adopted or trying to get a handle on a dog already in your home, consider these topics before you start training.

Expectations

What do you expect from your dog? There are many models of “acceptable” dog behavior and dog/owner relationships. Before you begin training, you need to have goals in mind and to make sure that all trainers (family members) are clear about the goals. Will this dog be given the run of the house OR will he be expected to respect the space of family members and guests? Will he be expected to protect the house from “intruders” OR will he need to be gentle to visiting children? Will he be kept on a schedule OR will there be someone available to tend to him every minute of every day? Most training failures occur when the dog thinks that the rules he understands have changed. You must first have clear rules in order to make them clear to the dog.

The three tenets of “Talking With Dogs”: Anticipate Few instances of dog behavior are “out of the blue.” Most can be anticipated by body language and past behavior or patterns. Observing your dog carefully and anticipating his next move is an important part of training. It’s much easier and more effective to correct your dog while the behavior is occurring. Or better yet, redirect the behavior before it begins and reward your dog for making a more positive choice. Communicate Clear two-way communication is absolutely essential for training. Training is traditionally the process of telling the dog what you expect him to do through words and/or hand signals, and physically (gently) helping him to achieve the action if he doesn’t perform. But don’t overlook your more subtle communication to him, or his communication back to you! Your dog’s actions and body language will often tell you what he’s thinking—whether he understands the command, if he’s ignoring you, or if his patience is wearing thin. Be Consistent Give your dog the same commands and expect the same results each time. If altering commands to better suit your communication style will help you to be consistent, then speak in your own voice. Commands and the resulting behaviors will likely morph over time (hopefully for the better) but they shouldn’t change day-to-day or even week-to-week. Most importantly, don’t ever give a command to your dog if you aren’t ready to follow it through to the behavior. Giving a command that fades away without resolution is effectively un-teaching it.

The Alpha Role

Just as a puppy looks to his mother to guide his behavior, so should a domestic dog look to his owner. Developing this relationship is VERY rewarding, but comes with as many responsibilities as benefits. Traditionally, the part of the alpha role that people recognize is dominance, but they often forget about the equally important responsibility of protection. In order for a dog to follow you loyally, he must trust that you have his best interests at heart, that you would never lead him into trouble, never expect him to do the impossible, never expose him to danger, and never cause him harm yourself. You can always pick out a good alpha owner in a crowd—they’re the ones with the happy dogs staring up at them, anxiously awaiting the next command.

Training Readiness

Training has a much better chance of success with a dog that has what he needs, both short-term and long-term. Short-term needs include being warm, fed, exercised and loved. Long-term needs include having places where he feels comfortable and people whom he trusts. Try to begin your sessions when the dog’s needs are sated, and end with a positive note before his attention runs out completely. And remember that training sessions are an opportunity for the dog to request attention and for you to happily give it.

Motivation

Training with treats is a good way to start a dog in learning a behavior, but soon after he knows what is expected, he should be expected to do it in exchange for affection alone. You won’t always have a treat in your hand, but your dog should always be expected to obey your wishes. Corrections should be immediate, clear and only as firm as is necessary to convey your wishes. Severe punishments have no place in the training framework—they simply make the dog associate your training sessions with displeasing you and the resulting negativity.

Finding Training

No matter how many books you read (and you should definitely read at least two training books written by behavior-focused trainers before you set foot in a class), you will probably need some of the things that a class offers. The other dogs will help your dog deal with real-world distractions. The trainer will remind you when you’re repeating yourself too much. The other owners will offer a chance to compare/contrast you and your dog’s relationship and progress. The best way to approach trainer selection is to realize that you will be training your dog, and that the trainer will be training you. Know yourself and your expectations, know your dog and his challenges.

Don’t EVER hesitate to question a trainer’s methods of handling dogs, especially YOUR dog, if you have any doubts. There are many dog experts, and even more trainers.

When Training Fails

Most dogs have a tremendous amount of “good dog” potential, and just need patience, clear communication and sufficient motivation to realize it. But there are certainly situations where your dog can fall short of your expectations. If you cannot meet a dog’s physical, emotional and/or intellectual needs, he’ll probably not have much focus. If your dog thinks that he’s running the household, he’s unlikely to obey you. If there’s been a change in schedule, environment or family members, your dog might need some forced stability to adjust. Whatever the problem, and whenever it occurs, don’t forget that professional help is available—and make sure that you reach for it before it’s too late.

Continuation

If you invest your 20 minutes each day and tackle all the problems that arise, you’ll likely have a dog that exceeds your expectations in just a couple of months. But keep in mind that training occurs in every minute that you are with your dog, approving of his good behaviors and correcting his bad behaviors. Your communication to your dog should be constant, and more than 50% positive. When you run across that day when your dog isn’t giving you any reasons to applaud him, seek one out. Help him figure out ways to please you, because chances are good that’s just what he wants to do.

 

Claire Liston is a dog rescuer who has welcomed more than 150 foster dogs into her home for training and/or rehabilitation. If you need training help in Northern Virginia, contact Claire@talkingwithdogs.com.

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