Dog Training

Lesson 4: Final Steps to Training

Enforcing the lessons.

Enforcing and Proofing the Lessons.

Now that the dog has learned all the commands, he has one more lesson to learn, and that is to know what happens if he chooses not to obey. If he is on leash, a quick snap on the leash is usually all that is required. Some dogs will respond to a stern "no." Others may need a more forceful correction. Remember, the punishment should fit the crime. If the dog is just daydreaming and not paying attention, you just want to bring his attention back to you. If he deliberately disobeys and you know positively that he simply thinks he can ignore you, you can show him the error of his ways.

If you are teaching the dog to heel, a quick snap on the leash, followed by praise once the dog is back in position usually suffices. You can add the requirement that the dog sit when you stop now. A lot of practice here will make the difference.

If the dog refuses to sit, pull up on the collar and, at the same time, touch the dog’s hips with TWO fingers. Don’t push on the hips. As soon as the dog relents and does start to sit, IMMEDIATELY release the pressure on the collar. Praise him when he complies. Remember, he is learning a new lesson—that he must obey even when he doesn’t feel like it.

If the dog breaks a command to stay, you might have to back up a little in his training. The steps we covered also involved enforcing the command.

We have covered enforcing the come, but if the dog is usually reliable and is off-leash you might have to grab the dog by his cheeks and pull him toward you. Take a step or two back once or twice and pull the dog in to you. We don't want to hurt him, but we want to make it plain that we are adamant that he come when he is called. When you release the dog, test him by calling him a few times. Be sure you still praise him when he comes to you. If he doesn't you might have to put him back on leash and practice until he decides it's always better to come to you than to refuse.

Proofing simply means that we make it harder, by adding distractions, for the dog to obey. When he is perfect with his lessons, we take him to a new area, then we add new people, other dogs, anything we can think of. You may have to back up in the training. Just because the dog can do a down in the living room at home doesn't mean he will do it at the park with strangers around. You will have to get out there and retrain the dog in the new setting. Be patient. It's all part of training.

1  2  3  4