Features
September 2011 Issue
Has Your Dog Training Program Hit a Wall?
If you feel your training has stalled, consider the following:
 If your dog looks or acts as if he may be afraid of you, you need to take a break – and maybe think about finding a trainer (or a new trainer). |
Get help – If training on your own, consider enrolling in a class or booking a private lesson for one-on-one attention. You aren’t expected to have all the answers yourself. All dogs are different. Even if you’ve trained previous dogs on your own, a little professional guidance might be just what you need to jumpstart success.
Seek a second opinion – There are lots of ways to train different behaviors. If you feel you’ve hit a wall with one approach, don’t be afraid to look for new ideas from other trainers who follow similar underlying principles (for example, using reward-based training versus punishment). However, it’s important to do your homework and give each new idea adequate time to work before dismissing it and looking for something else. Even with diligent practice, you can expect it to take weeks and months for behavior to change.
 Take a moment and take a breath. Your frustration may put your dog on the defensive; that’s the last thing you want. |
Know your limits – Consider your dog training philosophy and know where you stand on the use of various forms of compulsion and punishment. While more and more people are using positive reinforcement to initially train behaviors, many well-meaning people still suggest punishment-based techniques for problem solving. It can be easy to be tempted by the seemingly “quick fix,” especially in the heat of the moment when your frustration is running high. A little honest soul-searching away from training can help you hold tight to your beliefs.
Table it – If a specific behavior really has you stumped, step away from it for a while. If needed, manage the dog’s environment to prevent rehearsal of unwanted behavior and concentrate on things that allow you to celebrate success.
Comments (1)
Don't see who wrote this article; but it certainly is right on the money. Gidget had started a barking when I get out of the car routine...not that there was anything to bark about, just she thought she was expected to do so...I of course yelled to shush! Translation: Well, if Mom is barking there sure as heck must be something to bark about!" Needless to say the problem grew. Enter Leslie. Gidget won a certificate for 2-sessions in a raffle. She had a great time with Leslie and I learnt a lot. We are not over the issue, my inconsistent fault, but things are much better. She not only peggerd that problem but helped with a socialization issue. Leslie is a real heaven send. Gidget is 13 now and not in good health; but when a new dog enters my life this school will definitely be on the list of training to-doo's.
Posted by: ANN MARY R | September 13, 2011 12:23 PM Report this comment