training tips

How To Train A Dog-The Right Way

There are so many theories and so many conflicting training methods that it’s hard to know who you can trust and what to really believe.

Here is some advice from Troy Tappin:

• *First let me say, anything I teach I can back it up on two fronts: It would happen in nature, and it makes common sense.
  
  *The internet may be one of the worst places to get first class advice- so stop surfing.

  *TV shows are entertaining. Period. But in order to make a proper assessment of some serious dog problems, you need a pro. Not just good editing and sound bites. The money shot won't help a family who may really be in trouble.

  *The average family may only need help with 10-20 training adjustments. Think about it. List your concerns. Now, think of how many books there are. Regurgitating similar information, with a tweak here and there. The books may show how to do certain things.  They cannot, however, see the subtle mistakes your dog sees. A well trained eye will catch those flaws quickly.

  *Unfortunately, everyone who has ever owned a dog before is an expert. Not. Friends, family, and neighbours will often offer unsolicited advice. Often to your detriment. However well intended, every family dynamic is different. And what worked for Aunt Betty may be the worst solution to your problems. Consult a professional. 

  *Puppy classes do offer some benefits of socialization. They can, however, leave a client missing out on valuable one on one assistance. Most are ‘bribe’ based rewards, and can sometimes restrict the number of family members who may want to attend. Scheduling may also be inflexible. 

  *Even Veterinarians and Breeders, with their abundance of experience with animals are not behaviourists. And to those, whom I have the utmost respect, will agree that there is a real place for an experienced dog trainer. 

  *You are not raising a puppy. You are raising a dog. Little things that we encourage or let slide in puppyhood, can often lay dormant for years and then resurface with a vengeance.
  *There are so many valid reasons for choosing the best. Although no one likes to think of their dog as ever being aggressive or even dangerous, statistics show otherwise. 

  *Every trainer may have a different style or technique. The style or technique often is irrelevant. It is the principle that I am largely concerned. A clear understanding of how dogs think, act , react and learn is what will set the trainers apart. Some trainers are able to be taught. Most exceptional trainers are born. I have often said, “ dogs cannot read and do not care what school you went to...”
  
  *Choose your trainer wisely. 
  
  dog concerns