How to be An Awesome Dog Trainer

Start off with Awesome rewards. Reward generously, with   rewards YOUR dog loves. He decides. Reward new behavior you are teaching, reward known behavior you are trying to reinforce and just good behavior in general. Behavior rewarded is repeated. And be creative. Sometimes reward with scrumpious treats, sometimes a beloved game he loves, othertimes his food bowl, and sometimes a good rubadub on his head or back. Next use Awesome timing. Rewards to be effective have to be delivered RIGHT away. Within 2 seconds. In the 5-7 seconds it takes you to reach in your pocket, your dog has done 5 other behaviors. Which one was the reward for? He doesn't know.So training will be confusing for him at best.  Lastly, you need Awesome consistancy. Meaning-practice everyday. Make the time. 5-10 minutes several times a day is better than most folks train. You can do better than most folks. You want to be an Awesome dog trainer for your dog to help him be the best dog EVER! Do it for your dog and have the most fun ever!

Stay Positive!

So here's the scoop: a popular dog trainer in Alexandria Ky who has( I loosely call this) a training club, requires prong collars on all dogs in training including agility and if your dog misbehaves, will shock him with a shock collar and/shake him by the fur on his head. ????Is there anyone who thinks this is acceptable? If you did this to children, you would be in JAIL. So many studies and well as science as well as your top trainers in the country as well as the world, agree this type of training is abusive, painful, induces fear, teaches by intimidation and causes aggression. If it feels wrong in your gut and heart-walk out! Leave! Do not let anyone hurt your dog in the name of training! Sometimes it can not be fixed after a trainer damages you and your dog's relationship. Training should not hurt. Training need not be painful. Your dog is much smarter than all that. Go with positive. You can't go wrong, you won't hurt yiour dog. And as for that trainer in Kentucky, positive training is taking over.NOW!

Perfect Dog

I don't have a perfect dog. You might think as a dog trainer I would have a perfect dog. Does a church pastor have perfect kids? Probably not. I help my dogs be the best they can be. But I let personalities shine. Sage howls. Mostly when I come home. Howls and cries. I pet him, talk to him and he stops. I find it endearing. You might not. Mac and Tulip's heads are right at the door when I come home and they trip all over each other for my greeting. So everyone has to decide their rules and boundaries for their own home, dog, life. My dogs don't steal from the table or tear stuff up. But they sleep with me. I enjoy my dogs for who they are. Their lives are much shorter than ours. All too soon it will be time to say farewell. Set goals for you and your dog's training but have fun and don't expect a perfect dog. Because your dog doesn't have a perfect trainer. Duh.

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   A Good Morning to you from me and Sage!  

Positively!

So proud of Lexi and her mom who just passed their Community Canine Award. She has trained Lexi from the beginning with positive training as a pup and is also training their new pup that way. Two others who tested with us did not train with positive trainers. They did not have the connection with their dogs that Lexi and Tammy had, had not been taught some of the cues that would have helped them pass, resorted to the tug on the leash method they were taught and got upset with their dogs when they didn't pass. Not their fault as that is what their trainers taught them but that is why I am so adamant about sharing the word about positive training and promoting it everywhere. Glad my clients have chosen positive and continue to have fantastic rewarding relationships with their dogs. Spread the positive word!

Don't Forget!

Wow, summer's almost halfway over. The Fourth is past and folks are taking great vacations and staycations, swimming, boating, grilling and all the rest. Don't forget in the swirl of summer activities to keep working and training with your dog. Take a few minutes a day and review things he should know, oncorporate them into play, use fun activities for rewards. The sky's the limit! Include your dog in your plans whenever possible. Have a great summer and keep safe!