• "Training doesn't limit a dog. Training frees a dog. My dog, being trained, is free - free to walk with me, free to ride with me, free to play off-leash with other dogs, free to learn and run. An untrained dog is "free" to sit in the backyard where he can get into as little trouble as possible." - Sue Ailsby  Stacy's Wag N Train Tips

 

 

 

Humans aren't born with the ability to drive a car or speak a language until they're taught by a responsible parent who continues to practice & challenge them.  
Dogs require and deserve to be educated in the same way to learn human expecations. Otherwise, they're left with no other option than to behave the way they would in nature and more than likely end up at a shelter through no fault of their own.

 

A reward can be a treat, a game, a toy, attention, petting, eye contact, or access to something the puppy wants (like to go through a door, or to continue a walk).  Even yelling can be a reward to a dog who never gets any kind of attention. Be careful what you reward
A punishment is withholding a reward. You never have to get more nasty than that. The most powerful punisher is to ignore the dog. This means no reaction at all, not even eye contact, which could be perceived by the dog as successfully getting your attention.

Reward the Good + Ignore the Bad = Success (a simple formula to produce a good puppy)

DO

DON'T

  • reward sitting quietly (sit for attention) 

  • encourage play with dogs own toys

  • reward the dog for being quiet ("good quiet")

  • feed the dog when he sits politely

  • reward the dog each time he comes to you

  • exercise him to prevent boredom

  • let him earn his treats as rewards

  • reward him for waiting at doorways

  • reward eye contact every time you get it

  • reward loose-leash walking with forward motion

  • DON'T stroke the dog if he jumps up (turn away)

  • DON'T chase the dog to get back your belongings

  • DON'T yell at the dog for barking (attention = reward)