Dogs are Learning 24 Hours a Day!
May 7, 2008
As we all know, consistency is very important in life, relationships and careers. The same definitely applies to dog training. Dogs are learning all of the time, not just when we are “formally” training them. Regardless of the method of training, you have to be consistent and fair to your dog.
When we teach our dogs a new command, or are trying to reshape unwanted behaviors, repetition, consistency, and success rate all play a roll into shaping the final desired behavior. If we keep changing our approach and lacking follow thru it will take forever to teach them the simplest thing. This is where frustration on our part can sometimes lead to abandoning hope and giving up all together; it usually leaves us thinking our dog is probably not the brightest bulb, but I promise you, this is not the case. When starting a new training program or a new skill you have to be patient, go at their pace and BE CONSISTENT!
One of the most important things that we need to teach our customers is that working obedience and behavior modification into our daily routines goes a long way. Formal training sessions are huge, but you still need your dog to behave and act a certain way the rest of the time. Teaching your dog does not end as soon as your training class wraps up for the night. This goes back to the statement we made earlier : dogs are learning all of the time, it is up to us to make sure they are learning the right things.
Think of it this way, would you let your dog pull you from the car to a training class and then expect them not to pull you around once you are in the training class? Think about what you just taught them. Also, a lot of people leave their dogs in a fenced in backyard while they are at work all day. This is a terrific time for dogs to make their own decisions (usually the wrong ones) and unwanted behaviors are practiced all day long. Eating dinner, watching tv, answering the door bell, and interacting with them in the back yard are all necessary opportunities to teach your dog how to behave. If you put the work in now, you can enjoy a well behaved dog for the rest of their lives. Consistency and fairness and reinforcing the right behavior will accelerate the learning process and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.
Because dogs do not learn overnight and true behavior modification takes time, Unleashed Unlimited Dog Training offers lifetime training in most of it’s training programs. We work at a pace that you and your dog are comfortable with, and you aren’t left with a half finished dog when most training programs expire. Lifetime training means you can come to our training classes as often as you want, for the life of your dog! Even after graduation, if your dog needs polishing up or if new problems may arise, bring your dog back for a refresher class! More importantly, we teach owners and dogs how to interact when our trainers are not present. This way you can work with your dog and implement the right things into your daily interactions, and keep consistency present at all times.
