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Training for Dogs and People

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A Few important Hints

 

  • Be consistent:  Don't let the dog sleep on that $800 couch one day and punish him for doing it the next day.  Enforce whatever rules you establish.

 

  • Be fair:  Don't expect the dog to climb the stepladder to replace the light bulb in the ceiling fixture until you have taught him how to do it and you are sure he understands it.

 

  • Be honest:  Before you fault your dog for any failings, ask yourself "have I done my job in teaching him"?

 

  • Be realistic: Only give a command if you are in a position to enforce it.  While the dog is in the living room, and you are in the bathtub, don't tell him to sit unless you are prepared to get out of the tub and make him do it.

 

  • Be aware:  An enthusiastic handler will have an enthusiastic dog and every handler gets the dog he deserves.  You be the judge.

 

Above all remember the 3 P's

1.  Persistence If at first your don't succeed, try, tray again.
2.  Patience The virtue of saints.  You may not be one, but you can always aim for it.
3.  Praise It's the reward for doing it correctly, and the cornerstone of your relationship with you dog.