A reward can and should be anything your dog likes. Depending on the situation, it might be a walk, your attention, food, a toy or playtime with another dog.
Whatever a dog does immediately before getting what they want will be repeated. Why, because getting what they wanted became the reward for the behaviour they showed right before getting it. For example, if the dog pushes his way out of the door and manages to get out, he’ll learn that pushing his way out gets him what he wants: freedom. If jumping up on people results in pats, jumping will continue and so on.
We tend to put up with these behaviours and the smaller the dog the easier it is to ignore. In humans, impulsivity refers to the urge to act on a whim. It means behaving with only immediate gratification in mind and little consideration for potential consequences. Dogs do this all the time. They have no concept of the future or the consequences of their actions. They simply do what benefits them. When a dog wants something, they want it now!
Obedience training will not only teach your dog to behave better, it will keep them safe. And it is never too late for dogs to learn! Eazy Dog Training runs dog obedience classes in Sydney. My next dog obedience class Sydney starts on the 9th of June!
Have you ever gone to a supermarket hungry and felt like you wanted to buy absolutely everything? But at the end of your shopping trip you went home with just a few things you didn’t plan to buy. Impulse control keeps our desires in check, but it’s not something you are born with. Impulse control is a learned behavior.
Part of the issue is that many people expect their dogs to come when called without having trained them to do so. So, the first thing to focus on is: have you trained your dog to come back to you?
The fact is, dogs don’t have a concept of coming back to us without being trained first. They have no understanding of the word come. Therefore, it takes a lot of repetition for dogs to learn what the word ‘come’ means and to respond to it as we would like them to.
The fact is, dogs don’t have a concept of coming back to us without being trained first. They have no understanding of the word come. Therefore, it takes a lot of repetition for dogs to learn what the word ‘come’ means and to respond to it as we would like them to.
You can take an online training course, learn by doing it yourself or participate in a practical course. However, due to the lack of regulation in the industry, there are many people who call themselves dog trainers (or animal behaviorists) with no education or experience whatsoever. As a professional, certified dog trainer myself with 10 yo of experience, I find experience to be the most important thing when choosing a trainer. You might know dog training principles in writing, but doing it is completely different.
Has it become impossible to eat at a table without your dog hounding you for food? Let’s face it, your dog is probably well fed, so he has no reasons to beg for food. But when you look in cute puppy eyes you can’t help yourself and toss a small nibble from your plate. What you’re doing is reinforcing the begging behaviour.
Suitable for All Dogs, No Matter the Breed, Age or Skill Level. All dogs must be fully vaccinated!
Training Includes Impulse Control, Engagement and Focus Exercises, Basic Obedience Commands, Distraction Training and Everyday Manners Skills.
A lot of dogs struggle to calm down and tolerate doing nothing. We’ll practise this valuable skill!
Training Includes Impulse Control, Engagement and Focus Exercises, Basic Obedience Commands, Distraction Training and Everyday Manners Skills.
A lot of dogs struggle to calm down and tolerate doing nothing. We’ll practise this valuable skill!
Basic obedience training is importnat for every dog! Good manners make the relationship between a dog and owner a lot easier and enjoyable, especially when out and about. No one enjoys a dog who can not calm down around people and other dogs, who pulls ona leash and barks at everyone, and everything. Of course, my examples were a bit extreme, I admit. But there’s probably still something you could improve in your dog’s basic obedience skills, right?
Basic manners training is important for every dog! Good doggy manners make the relationship between a dog and owner a lot more enjoyable. No one enjoys a dog who can not calm down, who pulls on a leash and barks at other dogs or people. Of course, these examples were a bit extreme. But there’s probably something you can improve in your dog’s basic obedience manners, right?