Encourage More Than You Discourage (Dog Training)

... If you move fast, then the dog is more likely to follow you. ... You can then encourage the dog to return to you without difficulty, .....Training your dog to bark less (you will never stop it altogether) is a .... You don't want to discourage your dog from playing, but play barking can get annoying at times...


Think back to a team or group you’ve been involved with. Did you like your instructor or team leader? Did this
person criticize you or make you feel good about your efforts? As your dog’s team captain, always be the kind
of leader you would want to follow.

Use the 5:1 Ratio

Consider your life from your dog’s perspective, and be patient as you train her. She doesn’t understand the difference between a stick and a wooden chair leg. She may think that it is her job to protect against intruders, even when the “intruder” is a visiting relative. She may be genuinely excited when she sees another dog approaching, although she’s pulling
you off your feet. Think about how she might be seeing things and use the exercises in this book to train her toward a better way of reacting. A good team leader encourages more than discourages. Aim for a 5:1 ratio—say GOOD DOG five times for each NO you say.
By focusing on good behavior, you make your dog feel good about herself, and she will cooperate more. Throughout this book’s lessons, you will use food and toys to motivate your dog early on, but never let these rewards take the place of praise,
both verbal and physical!


TIP

It is important to say your commands once, not repeti-
tively: Repeating a command to your dog is confusing
and delays understanding. Repeating a direction like
COME or SIT would be like hearing someone ask you,
“PLEASE PASS THE KETCHUP, KETCHUP, KETCHUP.”


Quote :Dog Training by Sarah Hodgson