Keep an eye on your dog, gauge their response to situations. Get more excited to keep his attention, or move to a safer place if they’re intimidated. Your dog’s body language will tell you what he needs in order to focus on you and your commands. Get ahead of your [...]]]> Reading dog language

Keep an eye on your dog, gauge their response to situations. Get more excited to keep his attention, or move to a safer place if they’re intimidated. Your dog’s body language will tell you what he needs in order to focus on you and your commands. Get ahead of your dogs actions by knowing what they’re likely to do next and countering their reactions.

The Release

You must have a release word so your dog knows when it is appropriate to move after he obeys a command. Always use your release word after a sit or down or stay. Clear communication is critical for your dog to understand your needs.

Time Out

Use time out consistently or not at all. It is critical that you stay emotionally neutral. No matter how upset or excited you are don’t let your dog know. Time out must be a place without distractions, entertainment or excitement. 5 minutes is plenty of “think time”. All memories of the infraction will be forgotten after 5 minutes.

Handling your dog – working towards your CGC

Examine your dogs, ears, backside, toes, eyes, and mouth. Full body exams will get your dog accustomed to being handled. By the end of class your dog should be comfortable with other people handling their bodies. This will reduce stress during medical treatments and build trust with you.

This Week­

Sit – move treat over head using the “sit” word.

Down – move treat slowly at ground level using the “down” command.

Come – use dog’s name, high pitch voice, get excited.

Walking – with a sit at the halt, dog remains at side while walking. Pace is quick enough to match the dogs natural pace.

Handling your dog – each day examine one dog ‘part’ continue for a lifetime

Watch your dog – learn from their body language, stay ahead of their actions and

reactions. Control the situation before it happens.

Time out – use as necessary or required.

5 X 5 Practice 5 times a day for 5 minutes.

Or 2 repetitions of each exercise 5 times a day. = 10 sits, 10 downs, 10 recalls and 30 releases in total per day. And handle each dog part at least once this week. Once per day would be optimal.

Recommended reading

Time Out

Vision the dog language.