Many smart dog owners want to get their pet started off on the right foot by enrolling them in a dog training program. Ideally this is done when the dog or puppy is first acquired so that it has not had the opportunity to learn bad habits or to practice ignoring new masters.
Many of these owners later complain that their dog has "lost it". "The dog was trained but forgot it all." Why does this happen to some trained dogs, while other similar canines are capable of retaining their obedience training? Are some just more forgetful than others?
There is a knack to maintaining a trained dog. The secret lies not in continuously practicing the doggie lessons, or by taking refresher courses but in the day-to-day interaction between dog and owner. After finishing the dog training program some owners begin immediately un-training their dogs.
The first step in un-training the dog is to speak long sentences of gibberish. Pet owners often forget their learned dog school vocabulary and lapse into a outbursts that the dog does not understand. Instead of "Fido, come!", they say things like "Come here...get over here..you heard me ...how many times do I have to tell you...etc".
The next step in this un-training process is to repeat commands (nagging), "Sit, Sit!, Sit!!, Sit!!!, Sit!!!!" (with no correction or action taken to enforce the command). What the dog learns is; "I can ignore you. I can ignore you!!".
Another step towards an un-training your dog is to wait for Fido to get around to obeying. The command “Sit!" is given, then several seconds elapse before the dog finally does sit, or before a correction is given, or even worse yet - another command is given. The delay gradually gets longer and longer (the slow dog is teaching its owner patience), the seconds stretch into minutes and eventually Fido does not obey at all.
Another way to un-train is to "make” the dog obey. As the command gets louder and louder, the pet becomes increasingly "deaf". The message to the dog is: if one speaks normal, I do not have to listen. However, when the crescendo of commands become deafening, Fido knows the owner is annoyed and is likely to take action, so the dog obeys. The owner often decides after this annoying scene that shouting works. Over time, the decibel level required to get the dog to be "obedient" grows to an ear-splitting level.
Next, forget to praise and reward the dog when it does what it is asked. If the owner says "Come!" and the dog comes and does not even get noticed or praised, the dog will think: "Why did I bother doing that?" Dogs, like people, need to be shown the relevance of their actions and be rewarded for a job well done. Obedience is not only important, but also beneficial.
Finally, the most effective way to un-train your dog is to give commands to a dog which is not yet reliably obedience trained when it is loose. When the lead is off, the owner cannot clarify commands for the confused dog, and cannot enforce commands for the defiant dog. The main lesson learned by the loose dog is: When the lead is off, I have a choice, and the owner can not do anything about it!
How do you maintain a trained, obedient dog?
BE CLEAR - The message to the dog must be simple, clear and consistent. Be fair to the dog by clarifying commands. Make certain that enough time has been spent patiently and clearly teaching the dog what is expected. It usually takes many more repetitions than you would think.
DO NOT REPEAT - Say a command only once, then immediately help the dog to do it or make a correction.
DO NOT WAIT - A slow response will evolve into no response at all. The dog should learn to be responsibly and respectfully prompt.
DO NOT SHOUT - As the old proverb goes: Speak softly and carry a big (leash). Dogs can hear better than people, so there is no need to yell (Remember how they can hear the sound to the treat bag). If commands are effectively enforced, a hand signal or a whisper should be sufficient.
REWARD - Do not forget to let the dog know in some way that it did the right thing. That its response to you was appreciated, and that it was worth the effort.
DO NOT GIVE OFF LEAD COMMANDS - If the dog ignores a command when it is free, put the lead back on and give a refresher course. When the owner is home with the dog, it can trail around on a light leash, literally giving the owner a "handle" on control, so that the owner can clarify or enforce in a consistent and humane manner. This will enable owners to get through the difficult period of canine adolescence, when the dog continually challenges authority. As the dog matures such techniques should no longer be necessary.
A trained dog is a pleasure to be around. This animal is also happier than its untrained counterparts, because it enjoys much more freedom and companionship.
Training is one of the nicest gifts that an owner can give to an animal. It establishes a communications system with the poor, confused pet. It is "canine liberation" for the dog that has been previously ostracized for being unruly. When done fairly, it builds a bond of love and respect between the dog and owner like nothing else can. It is too valuable of an investment to waste. Make it part of your daily routine as you interact with your dog at home each day.
Adapted from an article on the North of England Dalmatian Club (www.noedc.com) website – Thank you!
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