Training your dog with brains instead of brawn!
Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Keith Smith
It seems everywhere I go these days all I hear about is how you must physically dominate a dog to make him behave. I see these very common training practices of yanking dogs around on a choke chain and calling it training. These same people call the choke chain a “training collar”. I have a challenge for these people. Grab a friend and have them put a “training collar” on you. Now ask them to attach a lead and give a nice firm yank. Do you still believe it is a “training collar”?
Next ask them to yank on the lead every time you say “training collar”. I bet after a few times you stop saying those words. And not because you like your friend but because you are afraid to feel that dreadful yank again. You may even attain enlightenment and begin calling it for what it actually is, a choke chain! Choke chains are dangerous!
Choke chains, shock collars and other professed training tools are merely used as shortcuts by people who have yet to genuinely and compassionately comprehend the intricate workings of dog behavior.
Another thorn in my side are the people who believe that pretending to be Hulk Hogan and pinning a dog to the ground or using similar physical practices somehow makes them respect you. It will certainly make the dog fear you. Fear is not respect! In case you did not read that right, fear is not respect! Respect is a dog looking intently into your eyes, tail wagging and ear’s perky thinking with reserved anticipation “what should I do now”.
The goal in training is to develop the relationship using trust and motivation, not fear and desperation!
“Dog people are wonderful people,” Cherry said. “They will help new dog owners get off to a good start and advance in their training.”
She also stressed the importance of exercising dogs.
“A 30-minute brisk walk every day is good for the person and good for the dog,” Cherry said. “Knowing my dogs need a walk encourages me to get up every morning and get some exercise with them.”
Cherry assures puppy owners that if they spend time with their puppies, take their puppies to obedience classes and do the homework, they’ll have a good dog by age 2.
“Good behavior kind of clicks when a dog is 2. The dog settles down, and some of the puppy problems stop. If you can make it until the dog is 2, you’ll have a good dog for the rest of his life.”
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