Training Problems

We define training problems as your dog’s inconsistent, or lack of response to basic directions such as sit, down, come and stay. Your observations may be that he only does it when he wants to, he knows what the word means but he ignores you, or he has selective hearing.

Training problems also include dogs that jump on visitors, dash out through open doors or gates if they have the opportunity, or don’t walk nicely on a leash.

Your training attempts may have been unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. First, you may not be consistent with following through with your directions. If you tell you dog to sit and he doesn’t, and you just forget about it walk away, you’ve taught your dog that your direction “sit” has no meaning.

If your dog will lie down in your living room, but not at the park, he may not have yet have learned that “down” is the same behavior no matter where he is when you give this direction. Or he may be too excited or nervous to respond to what you’re telling him to do. You can train your dog to consistently do what you tell him, but it takes time, practice, and perhaps assistance form a trainer who really understands learning theory and dog behavior. Be sure and read our recommendations for choosing a dog trainer before you select someone to help you.

PRODUCTS FROM HELPING FIDO THAT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND, PREVENT AND RESOLVE TRAINING PROBLEMS

If you really want to know how to train your Fido, then you need to know how he learns. Get our 4 CD audio program “How Fido Learns Best”, which is based on our live telecourse. Your dog will be part of your family for many years, and you will always need to be updating his training, so you’ll get years of value from this program. Any trainer you choose to help you should know the information contained in this program. So even if you decide to hire a trainer, this program will help you evaluate that person.

A fun way to train your dog is to use a clicker. If you start “clicking and treating” your dog for good behaviors, you will be amazed at how quickly the behaviors you like occur more often. To get started right away, get our Clicker Training For Dogs Kit.

If part of your dog’s training problems involve jumping on visitors or other out of control behaviors when guests arrive, our “Managing Chaos at the Door” audio CD is just what you need. This program gives you over 10 strategies to easily train your dog to sit quietly or engage in behaviors you like rather than annoying your guests.

Sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective. You’ll be amazed at how much information we’ve packed into two little booklets “76 Ways to Get Your Dog To Do What You Want” and “What Dogs Need and How They Think”. Written from Fido’s point of view if you followed all the tips in these booklets, you’d have the best behaved dog on the planet!