Our dog needs to understand what we are asking, and we need to create a clear, direct and consistent line of communication. We teach our dogs value and context through association.  A word means nothing without giving it value, and finding value must come from understanding what motivates your dog.

Being visual learners,  they analyze our body language, notice our intonations and recognize patterns in behavior. In order for us to understand one another, we must communicate with them in a way that they naturally learn.

There are many different types of motivators. Discovering what motivates your dog is the foundation for a successful training relationship. Motivators include praise, play, toys, and typically food. When we give our dogs the opportunity to earn, we help them build drive to want to work and engage.

Often, respect gets mistaken for fear. Calm, confident and consistent leadership is the key to respect. Respect means admiration, it’s taking the time to be understanding of their needs and rights as an individual. and that can never be achieved if you are coming from a place of frustration or anger. By setting up boundaries and guiding our dogs into appropriate behaviors both in and outside of the home, we establish expectations for them to succeed in our world.

Our dogs are doing their best in a world that is not meant for them. In order to grow together, we must understand the way they perceive the world & use that lens to structure how we train them. Ego has no place in training a dog, a good handler adjusts to the needs, perception & motivations of the dog.

This is the hardest thing to gain but the easiest thing to lose. Trust is a two way street, It is something built through communication, time, empathy & patience. In our dog’s lives, they should be able to trust us to guide them through their life. We however have to earn that trust by being a good empathetic, consistent, clear & patient mentor. 

Attaining a relationship where you can fully trust to rely on one another is the most valuable part of your training journey. It is a special thing that not many have. It will take work/time to get there, but trust me that it’s worth it.