Oh, could it be that easy?? Five magic actions you could take every day to improve Bentley’s state of mind, behavior, manners... Well, this article doesn’t guarantee a perfect little soldier after administering these simple tactics daily, but here are five non-intrusive little things you can do throughout your day that – when engaged in with consistency & a positive, calm state of mind –are guaranteed to improve things in your ever-evolving relationship with your canine companion. Let’s get started…
1) Teach your dog a release word.
A “release word” is just a short cue – generally a word – to tell your dog when a particular request or command has been completed. The easiest example goes something like this: you’re teaching Puppy a simple SIT. You hold the treat back over his head, and indeed, Puppy sits. You feed him the treat, and then say “break!” (Or “free,” “at ease,” “relax,” “all done,” etc. Take your pick, preferably not “OK” because we say it SO much in American conversation.) What you are essentially telling him with his release word is that he is “off duty” now for the moment; the release word in this instance has nothing to do with letting go of a toy or some similar item.
Every time you ask your dog to SIT, have him hold it – butt on floor - until you issue his release word. Same thing for DOWNS, STANDS… I use a release word every time I ask my dogs to do something. Whatever cue I asked for means they are to remain in that cue until they are released. To add this to your routine, begin by releasing your dog from his SITS/DOWNS right away. If she gets up prematurely, simply put her back in the same position/location, and release her once she is settled. Ask for eye contact before issuing the release word.
Adding a release word to your day-to-day routines teaches several concepts: patience, manners, respect, focus and impulse control. Take this simple action, use it consistently, and watch your dog become calmer.
Every time you ask your dog to SIT, have him hold it – butt on floor - until you issue his release word. Same thing for DOWNS, STANDS… I use a release word every time I ask my dogs to do something. Whatever cue I asked for means they are to remain in that cue until they are released. To add this to your routine, begin by releasing your dog from his SITS/DOWNS right away. If she gets up prematurely, simply put her back in the same position/location, and release her once she is settled. Ask for eye contact before issuing the release word.
Adding a release word to your day-to-day routines teaches several concepts: patience, manners, respect, focus and impulse control. Take this simple action, use it consistently, and watch your dog become calmer.
2) Feed on a schedule, even if you have one dog.
Why is this a big deal? Aside from the fact that providing around the clock food goes completely against nature for our beloved canis familiaris, there are several behavioral/psychological reasons not to “free-feed.”
Benevolent leadership is largely about control of the resources, and if you are leaving food down all day long, you aren’t demonstrating any control over that resource. This can mess with your dog’s perception of the hierarchy of the household and can also contribute to behavioral problems in some dogs. On top of that, you diminish his food drive by minimizing food’s value – how would you feel about that delicious turkey dinner if it sat in plain sight day after day, week after week? Not so exciting now, is it? You can effectively create a picky dog by doing this.
Especially when involved in training programs, it is obviously helpful to have a food-motivated dog. Increase his food drive by scheduling his meals. Food bowl goes down. Ten minutes go by. Eaten or not, pick it up and put it away. Try again next meal time. Your dog will quickly begin eating on a schedule if you stick to your guns. This will also be a great way to give yourself an earlier heads up with potential medical issues. If all of a sudden Fido isn’t eating his usual meal, keep an eye out for other symptoms. A trip to the vet may be in order. You’d have no idea if he was skipping meals if the food sits out all the time.
Benevolent leadership is largely about control of the resources, and if you are leaving food down all day long, you aren’t demonstrating any control over that resource. This can mess with your dog’s perception of the hierarchy of the household and can also contribute to behavioral problems in some dogs. On top of that, you diminish his food drive by minimizing food’s value – how would you feel about that delicious turkey dinner if it sat in plain sight day after day, week after week? Not so exciting now, is it? You can effectively create a picky dog by doing this.
Especially when involved in training programs, it is obviously helpful to have a food-motivated dog. Increase his food drive by scheduling his meals. Food bowl goes down. Ten minutes go by. Eaten or not, pick it up and put it away. Try again next meal time. Your dog will quickly begin eating on a schedule if you stick to your guns. This will also be a great way to give yourself an earlier heads up with potential medical issues. If all of a sudden Fido isn’t eating his usual meal, keep an eye out for other symptoms. A trip to the vet may be in order. You’d have no idea if he was skipping meals if the food sits out all the time.
3) Vary your routine commands.
Here’s what I mean by that: instead of just asking your dog to SIT every time she wants something – that treat, her breakfast, to go outside, etc. – change it up by asking for a different command here ‘n there! Does your dog have some moves? Examples may include SIT, DOWN, PAW, TOUCH, ROLL OVER, WATCH ME, SPIN. When you are about to go for your walk, for example, instead of always having her simply SIT at the door and wait, ask for a DOWN instead. Then a TOUCH. Change it up to keep your pup’s mind sharp and the focus on you strong.
There is a BIG difference between having a dog who is routine-trained and having a dog who is sharp on his cues. Routine-trained is when you have a dog who automatically sits for his breakfast, but doesn’t necessarily sit when cued at other times. Just because a dog performs a daily action in your routine does not mean he “knows” it. Change it up! Change up the locations where you usually ask for a certain cue, train in different parts of the house, train for it on your walks, in your yard, on the sidewalk.
Soon, you’ll have a dog who isn’t just routine-trained but understands that your cues mean the same thing regardless of where you are or what is going on. This kind of training takes time but is well worth the effort, and you will increase your dog’s attentiveness to you, as well as strengthen his focus and your bond. Be patient, and have fun getting creative!
There is a BIG difference between having a dog who is routine-trained and having a dog who is sharp on his cues. Routine-trained is when you have a dog who automatically sits for his breakfast, but doesn’t necessarily sit when cued at other times. Just because a dog performs a daily action in your routine does not mean he “knows” it. Change it up! Change up the locations where you usually ask for a certain cue, train in different parts of the house, train for it on your walks, in your yard, on the sidewalk.
Soon, you’ll have a dog who isn’t just routine-trained but understands that your cues mean the same thing regardless of where you are or what is going on. This kind of training takes time but is well worth the effort, and you will increase your dog’s attentiveness to you, as well as strengthen his focus and your bond. Be patient, and have fun getting creative!
4) Commit to a daily walk!
I know, I know. This one sounds simple... and obvious. But do you have any idea how many of us are guilty of skipping this step? The thing is, there can always be an excuse not to go! Your back hurts. It’s raining. Long day at the office. We could go on and on about excuses for so long that we could have been on that walk and back by the end of it!
If you are not already in the habit of this, I promise you – commit yourself to a walk with the dog every day – even if it’s only for ten minutes to start! – and you will see a marked difference in your dog’s general response to you. From Bella’s perspective, the walk equals exercise, interesting sights & sounds, and most important of all, ADVENTURE! When you are the provider of this exciting stimuli, your dog will positively associate you with the event, and you’ll be surprised how much more attentive she’ll soon be.
If you are trying to socialize the dog to a certain member of the household – frequently, dogs have issues with large men with big voices – have this person (safely!) be the provider of the all-important walk, all of or half of the time. If the dog depends on this person for the ultimate in enjoyment, it tends to cultivate that bonded relationship much quicker!
If you are not already in the habit of this, I promise you – commit yourself to a walk with the dog every day – even if it’s only for ten minutes to start! – and you will see a marked difference in your dog’s general response to you. From Bella’s perspective, the walk equals exercise, interesting sights & sounds, and most important of all, ADVENTURE! When you are the provider of this exciting stimuli, your dog will positively associate you with the event, and you’ll be surprised how much more attentive she’ll soon be.
If you are trying to socialize the dog to a certain member of the household – frequently, dogs have issues with large men with big voices – have this person (safely!) be the provider of the all-important walk, all of or half of the time. If the dog depends on this person for the ultimate in enjoyment, it tends to cultivate that bonded relationship much quicker!
5) Teach your dog not only to SIT for breakfast – but to PLACE for it!
What is “place,” you might say… In short, PLACE stands for “Marley, go to that specific target, sit/lay down on it, & don’t get up until I release you” (with his release word or another known cue). (See blog entitled “What the Hell’s ‘Place” & How Do You Teach It?” for full instructions on teaching this cue!)
Instead of asking your dog simply to sit for his daily meal(s), ask him to PLACE. (Dogs get adept at this cue very quickly when it has to do with chow time!) Take it a step further by moving his place around as he’s getting the concept. Don’t just leave the mat at the door or in the corner. Move it around and teach him to go to it before breakfast, no matter where it is! Re-locate the mat just a little bit at a time once he’s laid the foundation, and use a leash & treats as necessary to reinforce as you improve. Teaching your dog to target a specific spot when asked has huge benefits in your day-to-day life: you can PLACE him when company comes over & he needs to calm down; you can PLACE him when you and your family are sitting down to dinner; you can PLACE him at the campsite when you’re all around the fire together…
By giving your dog a safe place to target and chill out when asked, you are not only exhibiting control & leadership, you are keeping his mind attentive while providing access to relaxation. Many dogs get confused when the “place” is moved or you ask him to “place” on a new object. It is healthy for him to learn to work through confusion and potential frustration – usually when it comes to having to WAIT there! – and the same goes for YOU, handler! Never be afraid to take a few steps back in your foundation work – meaning, when the going gets tough in training, go back to an easier step! Re-solidify that piece, then move forward.
Instead of asking your dog simply to sit for his daily meal(s), ask him to PLACE. (Dogs get adept at this cue very quickly when it has to do with chow time!) Take it a step further by moving his place around as he’s getting the concept. Don’t just leave the mat at the door or in the corner. Move it around and teach him to go to it before breakfast, no matter where it is! Re-locate the mat just a little bit at a time once he’s laid the foundation, and use a leash & treats as necessary to reinforce as you improve. Teaching your dog to target a specific spot when asked has huge benefits in your day-to-day life: you can PLACE him when company comes over & he needs to calm down; you can PLACE him when you and your family are sitting down to dinner; you can PLACE him at the campsite when you’re all around the fire together…
By giving your dog a safe place to target and chill out when asked, you are not only exhibiting control & leadership, you are keeping his mind attentive while providing access to relaxation. Many dogs get confused when the “place” is moved or you ask him to “place” on a new object. It is healthy for him to learn to work through confusion and potential frustration – usually when it comes to having to WAIT there! – and the same goes for YOU, handler! Never be afraid to take a few steps back in your foundation work – meaning, when the going gets tough in training, go back to an easier step! Re-solidify that piece, then move forward.
 Triple dog PLACE on ottoman |  Spark PLACES on towel at beach |
***BONUS TIP!***
Save your airtight jars with lids – think pickles, relish, jelly – stab a few holes through the lid, fill with dog treats, and strategically place one in each room of the house… YEP, each room! This makes it exceptionally easy to throw in a few seconds of training time throughout your day, in short bursts, when it’s most effective! You’ll always have a reward at the ready when your dog successfully completes a request. This is an EASY way to sneak some training into your day without setting aside special time, and can vastly improve house manners as well!
Hopefully, this article has given you some food for thought! I’d be happy to hear your tips & tricks as well, so please leave them in the comments. Seek out a qualified professional dog trainer for guidance in your individual situation. There are no quick-fixes (damn!) and there are no guarantees in the wide world of dogs! Tip the scales in your favor by following these 5 Simple Things You Can Do to Improve Your Dog’s Behavior, and catch what we at HEX affectionately call… the Dog Training Bug!
Thanks for reading! Visit the rest of the site at www.hexdogs.com and email hexdogs@gmail.com with any questions, comments or suggestions. Happy training!
P.S. We are welcoming guest blogs at this time, so feel free to reach out with submissions, as well.
Hopefully, this article has given you some food for thought! I’d be happy to hear your tips & tricks as well, so please leave them in the comments. Seek out a qualified professional dog trainer for guidance in your individual situation. There are no quick-fixes (damn!) and there are no guarantees in the wide world of dogs! Tip the scales in your favor by following these 5 Simple Things You Can Do to Improve Your Dog’s Behavior, and catch what we at HEX affectionately call… the Dog Training Bug!
Thanks for reading! Visit the rest of the site at www.hexdogs.com and email hexdogs@gmail.com with any questions, comments or suggestions. Happy training!
P.S. We are welcoming guest blogs at this time, so feel free to reach out with submissions, as well.
RSS Feed