I don’t need no stinkin’ training, do I?
I am well-behaved, or I think so anyway. Yeah sure, sometimes I act a fool and chase squirrels and ducks, but that’s what dogs do, right? I pull really hard on my leash when Mommy and Daddy walk me, and they always make me stop just as my sniffer has found something that I’m interested in. Can you say frustrating?
Now that I think about it, I probably could do with a lesson or two. I love going for walks, but I don’t like my collar being pulled so hard on my neck. Mommy tells me it’s because I’m pulling so hard on the leash. I think Mommy and Daddy are pulling on it. We just have to agree to disagree I guess.
My New Gear
My Mommy bought me some great new things to help in my training and our daily walks. She took lots of time to research what would work best for her and I to walk together. Check out all my great new digs below.
Mommy found this cool full body harness. Now, when I go on walks the harness covers my chest. That makes it much easier for me to understand what I’m supposed to do when they pull. Full body harnesses help prevent neck and spine injuries for me and my doggie friends because the leash is on the vest and not on my collar. Mom says it’s easier for her to control me because the leash hooks to the vest which is closer to my center of gravity…whatever that means. I just know it’s been more comfortable for me while I walk.
My Mommy also ordered me a new collar to match my harness. I mean I have to match. She says that the new collar also allows her to put a patch on that asks people not to pet me, so I don’t get scared.
And That’s Not All….
You see, when we go for walks I get to meet new people, but they still scare me. So my patches say things like, “In Training” and “Do Not Pet”,, that way most people will stay away until I get to know them better. Those little people, though, can’t read yet, so they want to pet me anyway, but they scare me the most. Hopefully, their parents will tell them what it says.
Lastly, Mommy got me this great new leash that has something called Bungee in it. I love saying that word, Bungee. 🙂 Anyway, it lets me pull, but when I feel the bungee, I know I’m pulling too hard. It helps me slow down a bit too. Well, at least I slow down a bit when I’m not chasing those ducks.
Why Train Me Anyways?
Training me is necessary so I will socialize better around people and other animals. The above items are really helpful for mom, but she wanted more tips, and the ideas below she said helped a ton.
Why do I do the things I do?
Mom often wonders why I behave in certain ways. The key to understanding me is recognizing body language and communication cues.
- Decoding Body Language: Learn to interpret your dog’s tail wags, ear positions, and posture. Understanding these signals can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Recognizing Triggers: Identify what situations or stimuli cause your dog to react. By pinpointing these triggers, you can develop strategies to manage their behavior.
Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Success
Positive reinforcement is a my favorite. Mom and Dad give me lots of treats when I show good behavior. I’ll do whatever you want for a big hunk of cheese! Be careful though to know what treats I can have. Read my moms post on Tucker Loves Yummies But Does His Tummy Love It?
- Consistency is Key: Ensure everyone in your household uses the same commands and rewards consistently.
- Small Steps: Break down complex behaviors into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each success to boost your dog’s confidence.
- Patience and Persistence: Training takes time. Be patient with your dog and yourself. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Building a Strong Bond
Mom, Dad and I are close and that bond definitely makes me want to do well. Spend quality time together, engage in fun activities, and provide plenty of exercise. A happy and well-stimulated dog is more receptive to training.
Remember, every dog is unique. What works for me might not work for your four legged friend. Be patient, consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of training your furry companion.
Over time, with the help of my new stuff and using some of the training ideas, I will learn to walk with my parents more easily and listen when I’m supposed to. Hopefully, I will also learn that people big and small are ok. Maybe then we can become friends. I’m just wondering when I complete my training if I get to finally use Facebook and Twitter? Or order some new stuff myself off of Amazon?
I’m very excited to continue my training and I hope that one day I’ll be good enough to take off the leash at the beach, so I can really chase some birds. Oh, and I like digging up those funny things that make bubbles in the sand too.
