“What’s the big deal about dog training? I should be able to tell the dog what to do and he’s supposed to do it.” How many people feel that way? If you have a quick answer for this remark, let me know because I could use one.
The best response would be a reasoned explanation about dog behavior modification, dog motivation and dog training, but nobody is going to sit still for a lecture. They don’t want information or dog training buzz words. They’re frustrated with the dog and want results.
Play Is The Way
Did you ever have a boss that was overstressed and unhappy? Ya, right, like THAT ever happens. How much fun is it working for that person? Zero. How motivated are you to work when you get a frustrated and angry response for them? Zero.
Use your imagination to envision a work place where work is fun. And you’re rewarded with praise and a prize? Ooohhhh…. Now we’re really dreaming. Even a cookie or a thank you would be appreciated, wouldn’t it? How about a nice pat on the head (oops I mean back) or a chance to win a reward with increased production or customer satisfaction?
Dog Mammal, Man Mammal
We’re all mammals. It’s not a popular view, but for what’s it’s worth, I think we have similar reactions to similar situations. What we make of those situations is very different, but the basic reactions are much the same. Play and reward beats the heck out of negative feedback and that goes for both our dogs and ourselves.
Enter the Dog Toy
I don’t really need to finish this blog. I’m sure you’re way ahead of me, understanding the concept of rewarding desired dog behavior with play to create an eager ‘worker’. All that’s left is the details, so here’s the basic outline:
- Get a dog toy that your dog likes
- Play with the dog, be nice, be happy
- Take possession of the toy
- Ask for a behavior
- Reward the desired behavior with fun, a game of tug, chase or keep away
- Reward
Reward Me!
Each of these steps bears more than one article of detailed explanations, instructions, hints, tips etc. and I’ll get to them in time. For now do the best you can and keep things fun.
In the mean time, I’d like something from you. I’d like you to write with questions about what I’ve written here. I’d like to know what you want to know. It’s ok to be specific and ask a question about your dog, or ask a general question about dogs or training concepts.
I’ve been training dogs for over 40 years and much of what I know is now second nature so your questions will help me to choose the subjects that you want to know about.
If you’ll write with questions I’ll reward you, by writing everything I know of about training with toys, positive motivation training and understanding dogs.