Getting The Most From Your Dog Obedience Training
First Requires Some Basic Knowledge About Dogs!

Understanding the role of hierarchy and the body language of dogs is critical in developing a strong communication bond with your dog no matter what the age. This bond is key to successful dog obedience training.

Dog Obedience Training Takes Commitment

As a dog owner you must first understand that training a dog is a matter of repetition and requires discipline on behalf of the dog owner. This means that you must be willing to commit yourself to work with your dog daily or several times a week until he completely understands what you want.

Remember, human babies and children are taught by their parents using repetition. For example, potty training is done by repeatedly going through the motions and then praising for accomplishing the task. Another example would be that human parents teach young children their name, address and alphabet by repeatedly going over it. Dogs also respond to persistence and repetition.

Your Place In The Pack

Like wolves, today's domesticated dogs live by social structure within their packs. An "alpha male" and "alpha female" dominate the pack and are the only wolves that breed. Included in the hierarchy of the wolf pack is an "omega" which is unfortunately at the very bottom of the pack. Usually the "omega" is submissive and is generally persecuted by the other wolves for this behavior. Understanding the behavior of their ancestors will help you to understand the nature of your own dog and make the dog training process a little smoother.

One thing to remember is that all dogs even the more dominant dogs want a leader. The biggest misconception that many people have is that their dog doesn't want them to be the leader, just a friend. "Not true", most dogs want the submissive role and want a leader, an "alpha dog" first and a friend later.

Please don't misinterpret the role of leader as having to use force. We do not condone using any kind of force in dog obedience training. When teaching a dog, the only force needed is a stern voice and a firm command followed by praise. This process must be done repeatedly.

Since dogs senses are so sharp, it's very important that you remain calm while training a dog or anytime training is taking place.

Young, Energetic, Strong And Stubborn

We have our own example of dealing with a tough learner. Our Doberman "Jenna" came to us at the age of two and was extremely hyper and very stubborn from day one. Jenna's wardrobe of leashes all promised to correct her constant pulling, yet every leash just seemed to intensify her pulling. Walking with her was a constant nightmare. Typical of the Doberman breed, Jenna is highly intelligent and she was the Valedictorian of her dog obedience training class.

One day while walking it occurred to me that I had not been acting like the alpha dog and therefore I was being persecuted like the omega for my own submissive behavior. It was at that moment that I realized I must correct my own behavior, before I could expect my dog to correct her behavior. Dogs are very in tune with their owners feelings and emotions. With this in mind, I firmly pulled back on the leash, looked her in the eyes and demanded "No" in a stern voice. With each firm "No", I followed up with praise and a gentle rub on her neck.

By repeating this process, both Jenna and I became more confident. She reacted more positively when I became the "alpha". This is typical of dogs, because this is what they understand. We both have our roles in the pack and now she clearly understands both of our roles. I exit my home first with her behind me and I enter my home with her behind me.

It's critical to enforce your leadership role at all times. Since applying the alpha role and sticking with it, Jenna now walks much better than she ever has. Despite her wardrobe of failed leashes, we went ahead and purchased a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness which truly has worked wonders. The leash attaches to the the front of the harness across the chest vs on the back eliminating the sled dog mentality. This inexpensive simple tool works. Without hesitation, this harness is the only item that I would recommend for strong dogs and dogs that pull.

Exercise, Control And Praise

Training a dog is a little easier if the dog is content. We strongly recommend reading Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems. His book will take you through all the channels of successful dog obedience training. When training a dog, use the following teaching tips:

•  Provide plenty of exercise

•  You're the "Alpha Dog" and control the pack. It's very important that you feel and believe this, because your dog will sense it if you don't. A stern voice and confidence goes a long way when training a dog.

•  Most important of all, "Praise". All dogs want to please their owners and that is why praising him is as equally important. Let him know you're proud of him and he's doing a great job, then slip him one of his favorite treats.

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