EXCITING NEWS:

After many years, I have decided to take some classes and actually get my Dog Training Certificate.  I have done this as an private owner for many years.  The time and circumstances are perfect for me to move further along in something that I love.

I am more than excited about this.  It could lead to bigger and things for me, 

So D and D Ausshole Academy will result into a real business.  I am thrilled with this prospect.  Wish me luck.

 ON TO BIGGER AND BOLDER THINGS

I have posted the basic 11 behaviors, that I believe every dog should know, I have posted my methods of training these behaviors along with several links to sites with other methods.  I hope you have enjoyed learning a bit.  

I am now plotting my next course of action.  

There is so much information about the art of Dog Training, it is hard to know what to cover next, there is really no set outline.  So from now on if it is a post about Training a behavior it will be marked TRAINING POST, with a sub heading of what the behavior is.  

I have also added a subscribe by email, so you can subscribe and get the blog in your email, if you should so choose.  

Please don't hesitate to make comments, let me know what your looking to train.  

TRAINING POST 

THE RELEASE WORD

As I have already posted about SETTLE, this is the last post about the BASIC 11, that every dog should know.

The Basic 11, are basic manners and the platform base from which all other training extends, be it obedience, agility or tricks.  You really need to train the basic 11, if your not training anything else.  This will make your dog a better companion to live with and will also help keep your own sanity.  No one likes a dog that doesn't have manners.  

Once the basic 11 are taught and taught well, all other training will fall into place in a relatively easy manner.  I am not saying that your dog will major in everything you try to train, but with the basics under their belt they will have a easier time learning other behaviors.

THE RELEASE WORD:  The release word will let your dog know the behavior he has been asked to do is over, and he will get his treat, or play time.  The release word should be one word that is used all the time and not changed.  Sometimes its hard to remember this rule.  Sometimes you will say "OK", or "GOOD DOG."  This will lead to slight confusion on your dog's part.  So pick a word and stick with it forever.

CUES:  My personal word is "OK"  Others have used "GOOD" "GOOD DOG" "YES".  My advice is to pick a word that works for you and will not be used in any other context with your dog.

SIGN:  I have no sign.

My Method:  I command the dog into a behavior I wish, such as sit.  When I wish the dog to move or be released from the behavior.  I Say "OK"  I say this with much delight and happiness as I can, and I bounce around, so the dog moves.  When on leash and out walking.  I use the release word alot, we come to a curb, I put my dogs in a sit, and then we wait for traffic, as soon as traffic has passed, I say "OK" and start to walk.  This lets the dogs know its time to move.

Here are some links that explain it far better than I.

AKC- What is the Release Word

Fort Dogworth- Release Command

Paw Leaks- Training a Release Command

Dog Discoveries- Release Command

 TRAINING POST

TEACHING THE NO

The word NO is a common word that is used daily by everyone.  I have mixed feelings about teaching it to a dog.  Because we say it so often, it can be quite confusing to a dog.  But if you insist on teaching it, here are a few links.  The first link I would ask everyone to read before just jumping it.  It gives several problems with teaching NO, and maybe it will lead you not to train it. 

Pet Helpful- Problems with Teaching No

Wiki How- How to tell your Dog No

Wag Walking- Train to Understand No 

Purina- Train to Respond to No

Brandon McMillan- Teaching No

TRAINING POST

LEAVE IT

The Leave it:  This is another one of those that might save your dogs life.  By teaching this, your dog will not pick up that piece of food on the ground while walking, a piece of food that might make him sick.  This will also teach the dog that things laying around on the floor are not his to chew up and destroy.

CUE: "LEAVE IT."  spoken in a firm voice.  Do not use a wishy washy voice for this command.  For that matter never use a wishy washy voice for any command.

SIGN:  I have no sign for this.

This is another that is hard to explain so I will leave that to the pros in the following links.

AKC- Teaching Leave It 

Rover- Teaching a Super Strength Leave It

The Bark- Leave It

aawl.org- Teach the Leave it Command

TRAINING POST

THE COME OR RECALL

The come or recall is probably the very most important thing you will ever teach your dog.  This can save his life.  It is also one of the most difficult things to teach, especially when you have a squirrel reactive dog.  Dogs want to explore and dogs will chase, once the chase is on, its like the dog has no focus except on the chase, everything else goes out the window.   Until your dog has a good reliable RECALL, I suggest you do not attempt anything off leash, especially outside.  

Every time you ask your dog to come to you, you are asking them to stop whatever they are doing and return to you.  Sometimes what they are doing is way more interesting to them than you are.  You must find a way to make yourself the best thing in the world to them, above and beyond another dog, above and beyond another person, above and beyond that elusive squirrel or rabbit.  

There is no shame keeping your dog on leash all the time, there is no shame in having a dog that does not have a reliable recall, some dogs will never be able to have a reliable recall.  This is just a plain and simple fact.  This is nothing against you, nor anything against your dog.  The world is big, the world is huge, and there are so many many distractions in it.  So again if your dog does not have a steadfast recall, it behooves you to keep them on leash for their own protection.  

Puppy Leaks- 13 Steps to Improve a Recall

Preventive Vet-Teach an Emergency Recall

Victoria Stillwell-Recall (Come)

Guide Dog Org-Recall

The links above offer different perspectives on training the Recall.  As I stated above, there is no shame in not having a reliable recall.  There are many different reasons this may happen, a squirrel is more interesting than you, another dog is more interesting than you.  Some dogs will never have a reliable recall.  This is one of those aggravating things in owning a dog.  Its all part of it.  AGAIN NO TWO DOGS ARE THE SAME.   If you train and semi reliable recall and that's all you can get, be happy, and keep your dog on leash.  If you can train a 99 percent reliable recall, WOW, super, fantastic.  But do not beat yourself up if it doesn't happen.  

 

TRAINING POST

THE WAIT

The Wait, there are different waits, one is wait at the door, the other is WAIT FOR IT, waiting for a treat or a toy.  The Wait we are focusing on today is WAIT at the door.  Nobody likes a dog that will run you over to get out the door.  This can be dangerous for the dog, and dangerous for anyone who is coming to the door.  Escapees is what I call them.  Then there are the dogs that absolutely must be the first one out before everyone, again a dangerous thing, especially if you have a child vying for that same position.

By Training the wait, you fix several problems, the escapees, and the I gotta be first out.  

CUE: WAIT

SIGN:  I don't have one.

The WAIT is fairly hard to explain, so I am posting links to other sites that explain it way better than I can.

Again WAIT is invaluable, and should be taught to everydog.

Save Them All- Teach Dog to Wait at Door

Wag Walking-How to Train Your Dog to Wait

One Tail at a Time-Teach Dog to Wait at Door

Vet Street-Teach Your Dog to Wait at Door When Visitors Arrive

Pet Finder- Teach Your Dog to Not Dash Out the Door