Some Truths About Dog Training

Dog Training, Puppy Training, Making your Bad Dog Good... there are more books and websites out there on the subject than one could possibly read in their dog's lifetime.  Some try to simplify dog training into as few steps as possible and claim you cannot go wrong (you can).  Some rehash psychology 101 and bog you down in conditioning terminology.  The right book/article is somewhere in between.  Depending on what you need and your dog's personality, there are a few of you and a few dogs that will succeed with the minimalist, somewhat automated approach.  Most people and dogs need a bit more.  A little reminder of classical and operant conditioning and seeing these concepts through the eyes of the dog goes a long way.  The more you can think through your actions and how your dog reacts to them, the better off you will be in the long run.  These concepts work in so many aspects of your dog's behavior.  You will start to understand your dog at another level.  You will also bring your relationship with your dog to another level.  That is what dog training should be about, improving your bond, not automated responses.

As a dog trainer, I try to read all the books I can, if for no other reason than to know what my clients may be reading.  While there are many I have not yet gotten to, one I have read that I like is Gwen Bailey's  The Perfect Puppy.  It may be a little on the heavy side, but an owner that puts the time into reading this book is the type of owner the luckiest dogs have.  Another great book, not so much for training, but for insight, Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash. I am kind of a huge fan of hers!

Please be honest with yourself when it comes to more than just basic training.  If your dog needs actual behavior modification, you may want to consult a professional.  Please feel free to contact me, if I can help, I will.
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