Five questions to answer (or ask your trainer) to ensure a healthy life with your K-9 companion.
I’ve seen some horrific results of “dog training”. There is a danger, like in anything, of learning just enough to provide band aids on problem behaviors, which lead to frustrations down the road.
During this peak season of puppies and rescue dogs coming into their own, here are five must know questions to answer (or ask your trainer) to ensure a healthy life with your K-9 companion.
- Why does looking at your dog when he does something unwanted sending him the wrong message about his behavior?
- Why is teaching her not to _________( i.e. jump, bark, fight, pee, etc) not enough unless you teach her a replacement behavior?
- Why do you need to teach your dog to communicate outside, with other dogs for it to stick in the real word?
- What behaviors (like Recall aka “Come”) can you not teach before you have taught communication skills (like asking for permission)?
- What are the main signs to look for in other dogs to keep your dog safe?
Submitted by Kelley Blackston of Beaufort Dog
