The following items are the key elements that I keep in mind when training dogs. These are the things that remain most effective and most consistent from my perspective.
1. Consistency and routine
My #1 recommendation with dog training is to be consistent and establish a routine. On the face of it, this might mean consistency regarding wake and sleep times, feeding times, and bathroom breaks, but it should be much more than that. For example, before your dog is allowed to go outside or come back inside, they MUST sit before the door and WAIT until given a command to exit or enter, even if the door is fully open. There are hundreds of possibilities like this for practicing consistency and routine. Another example might be sitting before meals or lying down to receive table scraps. Each time you implement one of these you are requiring your dog to be obedient before it gets what it wants.
2. Exercise
A tired dog is a good dog. This one is simple. Give your dog exercise frequently and vigorously. They need a lot more exercise than we do and a tired dog will get into substantially less trouble AND consequently won’t learn bad behaviors. Conversely, a dog with pent up energy will find ways to express that energy into behaviors like destruction of property.
3. Starting narrow
At the beginning, it’s important to start narrow or restrictive. Don’t give your dog unlimited options and freedom. Give them a narrow subset of choices and slowly expand as they prove themselves over time. This ensures you remain watchful of their actions, they don’t learn bad behaviors, you gain trust in them, and you clearly convey what is right vs wrong.
4. “Explaining” right vs. wrong
You can’t explain right vs wrong to your dog, but you should operate under the assumption that there is some level of communication between the two of you. It’s imperfect with mixed signals and your dog is constantly confused, BUT with careful practice and awareness you can start to show your dog what is right vs what is wrong. This involves continuous praise and disapproval based on their actions. Clearly tell them YES or NO as they maneuver through the world.
Note: A lot of people yell at their dogs when they’re misbehaving, but never provide the reverse communication. Positive reinforcement of positive behavior is JUST as important as stopping bad behavior.
5. Winning the battle of wills
Especially at the beginning, your dog will test you. They will push you to see if you break or give in. There will be times when it’s hard. They will test you for hours, but it’s important to NEVER break. For example, when I get puppies, they refuse to be crated at first and I will literally sit with them for HOURS in front of the crate redirecting them back in and comforting them. Eventually, the puppy realizes that it simply cannot win, it cannot leave the crate, that it’s time for bed, and the battle is over. I know this sounds excessive, but if you’re willing to do the hard work up front, you don’t have to do even more work in the future. It really does work.
Note: A word of caution. What I described is HARD and requires serious patience. Patience that will push you to the edge sometimes. If you can’t handle it anymore, walk away. Don’t get mad. Don’t be aggressive. Don’t be mean. What you’re doing is hard and takes practice to get right. Just take a breather and try again later.
6. Being on their level
This one is more minor than the other 5, but I think it does have a positive effect on training. When I interact with dogs, I almost always kneel down and put myself on their level. It seems to increase trust, decrease tension, and increase engagement. It’s a subtle thing, but it’s something I’ve done consistently for years with positive effects.
