Training:
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Prior to considering Obedience Training it would be prudent to define exactly what is meant by training. I believe training to be the art of persuading the dog to perform certain tasks in the service of its owner. This is achieved by manipulating the instincts of the dog so that they are adapted to a useful form of work. |
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For example, the instinct of a dog to follow a scent when hunting is used to train the animal to track down a quarry chosen by its handler. Upon this basic instinct is grafted any other requirement such as sitting in front of the handler when finishing a retrieve or remaining in one position until released. That is training, but it is not sufficient just to train a dog to carry out these functions. It must be taught to do them every time the handler so commands and not just when it suits the dog to obey. This is where obedience begins and it is achieved by frequent training and repetition. However, do not overwork your dog. Although a disciplined approach is required, training should also be enjoyable for your dog. Remember always that: |
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A DOG THAT WON'T PLAY WON'T WORK |
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Early training may be carried out at home but it is most important that the dog should also be socialised with others of its own kind. A dog that fails to mix with others often either becomes fearful or aggressive to others when finally allowed such contact. The next step is that the owner avoids other dogs. By default this also means that the dog is prevented from meeting other humans and may become fearful of humans. Is this a familiar tale? All this can be avoided by simply joining your local dog training club where your dog can mix with other dogs and most importantly learn that it must obey and hence be obedient even with the distraction of other dogs in the immediate vicinity. Joining a dog training club will also give you the benefit of learning the tricks of the trade from other dog trainers. After all, how many of us would expect to ride a horse or fly an airplane without any training or first learning the basic principles. It is, however, a fact that many dog owners are of the opinion that anyone can train a dog. In one sense, I agree, anyone can train a dog, but I believe the newcomer to dog training will make fewer mistakes and progress faster with just a little help from an experienced trainer. Hence, my message is, join a club. There is no doubt that if more dog owners spent even a few weeks attending a training club I would receive far fewer calls from owners of dogs with unwanted behaviours who need help in retraining their dog to be a better member of society! |
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