When I started training dogs nearly 15 years ago I was under the impression that every pet owner wanted 100 percent obedience and perfect behavior from their dog. I soon discovered that what I thought was inappropriate behavior was not necessarily inappropriate behavior from the dog owner’s perspective. My principle centered training methods have been very structured with the ultimate goal equipping the pet owner with the fundamentals of training resulting in an obedient well behaved dog.

I am confident that every professional dog trainer wants to obtain a reasonable and measurable level of success. Getting results is what dog training is all about. In fact, Webster’s dictionary defines training as, “to lead or direct the growth of, by bending or pruning; to form by instruction, discipline and drill. To educate narrowly, to teach as to be fitted, qualified and proficient. To make prepared for a test.”  An example of training would be, sit means sit. Even with distractions. This is really an example of obedience training. If a dog will sit and stay in the “sit position” even with distractions, it is obedient dog and is trained.

If a dog will sit when there are no distractions or when it is lured into the “sitting position” with a reward but will jump up at the first distraction, is it really trained? By Webster’s definition the answer would have to be a resounding, “NO.” As with many words in the English language today, the word training may be taking on a new meaning. Perhaps, as it applies to dog training.

I receive calls on a daily basis from dog owners who will tell me how good their dog is so many ways but they are having just one problem they want resolved. For example, “every time I take my dog to the park he refuses to come when called. Can you teach my dog to come off leash?” The answer is yes, but the process is not as easy as bribing your dog with a treat. If it were, everyone would have their dogs running off leash at the park. Normally, there are many other distractions at the park that are more motivational to your dog than a treat.

As we look at the definition of training we see that is has something to do with “being prepared for a test.” That test is the distraction at the park. Proficiency is a result of preparation. If a dog has not learned the fundamentals of consequence based training techniques, teaching your dog to “come off leash” will be nearly impossible. Teaching your dog to come off leash is a higher training goal than some people think is possible. While other people think there is a magic bullet that will produce 100 % reliability faster than you can pop corn in a microwave oven.

Should you consider training your dog, it is helpful to determine reasonable expectations for your dog. Be aware that to achieve any level proficiency, it will require work and effort on your part. Admittedly, some dogs require more work than others. But there is not any dog that can’t be trained. With the exception of  some vicious dogs.

Contact Information

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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