I began to think about why my dogs, with admittedly limited to no classroom training time, always behave well in public, whether at a dog show, a client's house as a distraction dog, or in public for demonstrations. You might argue that since I am a professional dog trainer my dogs have an unfair advantage. That might be true but my dogs get less one on one training than the majority of my students. Many never attend a class, and my dogs have to work well individually, as well as together as a group, in all sorts of locations and situations.
I realized that although dedicated training time is very limited in my dogs' world I make the most of each training opportunity. Here is my blueprint for success:
* You can't be in "correction" mode and expect your dog to be well behaved.
Punishment won't teach your dog what you expect from him and it certainly isn't pleasant. Do we continually punish children for their behavior in public?
* Teach your dog what you need from him, don't expect him to "know" what you want.
Just because he can sit at home when you show him a treat doesn't mean he can sit at the farmers market when the distractions are great, you aren't bribing him, and he isn't directly in front of you.
* Be patient. You didn't learn everything you need to succeed in a few short months.
Why do we think our dogs should become great citizens in 6 months or a year, with little to no schooling? Learning new skills takes time. Additional time is needed for your dog to perfect these skills and then rehearse them in the situations you will gradually expose him to. If you can't be patient don't blame your dog! If you don't train don't blame your dog.
* Pay attention to what your dog is telling you.
Our definition of "bad behavior" may actually be your dog's way of trying to say he is anxious, scared, or unsure of what is happening in the world around him. Punishment only makes your dog more anxious. Watch for signs of stress such as lip licking, cowering, whining, panting, and "wide eyes." Is your dog trying to leave? These are all signs of stress, not bad behavior! Get him out of that situation as soon as possible instead of getting frustrated.
* Reward what you want, even if its a tiny piece of the end goal.
Positive reinforcement goes a long way! It builds the relationship between the two of you, teaches him what you want, and allows you to feel good about the goals you achieve.
* Accept your dog's behavior as your responsibility.
You accepted this bundle of energy into your life. He didn't ask to be in yours! You owe it to him to spend whatever time is necessary to help him learn what you expect, not punish him for what he doesn't understand.
* Train, don't complain! Frustration should be your motivation to effect a positive change.
