Dog training can be tough but there are some truths that can help you.
Do you believe communication is the foundation on which relationships are built? If two people are not clearly communicating with one another they are more than likely to experience frustration in their relationship. That makes sense, right? Can we also agree that if a master and their apprentice are working together and properly communicating with one another, then it is only a matter of time before the apprentice learns and becomes a master?
So what does this have to do with dog training? Simple. If telling a dog “no” really worked, do you think anyone would need a dog trainer? I mean, who doesn’t tell their dog “no” at some point before hiring a dog trainer? If a method of trying to communicate the concept of “no” to a dog were effective and efficient, how many times should a dog have to be told “no” using that method before the dog learns, like the apprentice learns, that “no” means “no?” We have all seen dogs interact and communicate with their body language (assertive to respectful) and their tone (growling, barking to whining and whimpering). I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to say that is how dogs communicate.
This begs the question; what is the best way to communicate with a dog? Should we try to teach the dog a third party language? Meaning, should we elect not to speak dog to our dog, nor try to teach our dog the fullness and richness of the human language of your choosing, but instead teach ourselves and the dog a new language? Most common in this method of training is the use of a clicker. Again, dogs naturally make growling, barking, whining or whimpering tones. Have you ever heard a dog make a “CLICK” sound? This is not to say clicker training cannot be effective, I just am proposing that a click sound is not natural, instinctive or authentic to a dog. Another way some choose to communicate with a dog is through a physical stimulus like from an electrical collar (e-collar), a prong collar or choke collar. Now, I have no degree in biology, but I have experienced the joy of a shock when I thought I turned the power off to a part of my home and you know what? It was not a pleasant experience. More importantly, pain creates adrenaline. Adrenaline in many dogs can eventually trigger a fight or flight response. Neither of those options is good and what is more is education that sticks generally does not happen when a student, or in this case a dog, is highly adrenalized.
When looking to hire a dog trainer, I would suggest you do your homework and ask the potential trainer a lot of questions about their methodology. It is my experience that being able to properly communicate with a dog ultimately leads to a wonderful and fulfilling relationship, but it can take some time for that relationship to grow and develop. Just like any other relationship I suppose.
The following is a short video of some possible questions you may want to ask yourself before you start your dog’s training. Please click HERE for the video.
For more information about how Speaking Dog can help create a solid foundation on which you can build your relationship with your dog, please call your local Bark Busters trainer at 877.500.2275.
