Clear and Present
Have you ever noticed that when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, angry, nervous, frustrated, or any number of other negative emotions, your dog becomes naughty and doesn’t listen? Your dog is mirroring that state of being. On the other side of things, have you ever noticed that when you’re calm and relaxed, your dog is also calm and relaxed? Your dog is mirroring that state of being.
Be present: If you’re distracted, nervous, frustrated, etc., your dog will be the same way, and training will become an unpleasant exercise they won’t want to repeat. If you aren’t in the moment, if your mind isn’t focused on the here and now, put off training until it is.
Be clear: Instead of repeating a command and adding a bunch of extra talking, give the command once, stop talking, and wait for the dog to comply. The less you talk, the more clarity you provide to the dog. Incessant talking only confuses the dog, which will lead to him becoming frustrated and acting out.
If you need help with these things, seek out a good trainer who will teach you how to communicate effectively and properly with your dog. And remember: Stay calm, and lead on.
4 Comments on “Clear and Present”
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Happy Dawgs Obedience Training 
That is good advice. Dogs are definitely in tune with your feelings and if you are nervous, they become nervous, especially when you are out walking.
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Yep. So it’s important that we’re always mindful of how we’re feeling; we want our dogs to enjoy life and feel happy, not stressed and anxious. 🙂
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I just have to say that I love your ‘model’! He always looked at you with such love and trust. I can never thank you enough for the work you did with Fonzie to prepare him for his Certified Therapy Dog Evaluation. Not only did you work to prepare him, he scored an astounding 100% in his exam!!! This little guy is a Rescue Dog, he had received little or no training for the first 7 years of his life. He was always smart and compliant and he lives to please, but you honed in on that to help him achieve remarkable ability, incredible response to commands and unfailing focus that could not be broken by distraction. We will never forget the work you did with Fonzie and we will never be able to thank you enough.
P.S. – he is now 12.7 years old and, to this day, he continues to carry out all and every command he receives. He hasn’t seen you for several years but he remembers everything you taught him. I’d love to see his reaction if he met you again!!
With thanks to you always.
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Fonzie really is the best boy. ♥ He loved learning, and he was always up for a treat or two if he thought he could wiggle one out of us. 😀 As for his training, you and Tom did the hard work, Anne. And you’ve continued to do the work not just with Fonzie, but with Amber, too. I wish I could see you all again; I do miss you all very much. ♥
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