10/12/2022
Wizards of Paws Dog Training
So you've decided to have your dog professionally trained. There are some things that you need to be aware of when you have someone, besides yourself, train your dog. The first is that you will have to practice for this to work.
You will be given instructions on how to practice and maintain the skills your dog has learned.
There are basic commands that your dog will learn and you will need to understand and employ;
“The Rules of the Game”
This is a game and your dog will expect you to know how to play the game without changing the rules.
In time. you may decide that certain aspects of the game are not necessary in your environment and that is okay as long as whatever rules you use, remain consistent.
There is a beginning and an end to each command and always a reward, be it a kind word, a pet, a treat, a toy or when he deserves it, exuberant praise. Never a negative response from you.
For example;
I have taught your dog to come when you blow the whistle and that he will always receive a positive response from you.Then one day there is a loud plane going over and your dog doesn't hear the whistle so does not respond as trained. You blow it again and become angry because you spent a lot of money on training, late for work, etc. etc.This time the dog hears the whistle and comes to you as he is trained to do but you are angry so instead of praise, you scold the dog. Now you have broken the trust that you have worked so hard to develop. Now the dog responds slower on his return or doesn’t come at all. You’ve broken your trust with him. Can it be fixed? The answer is, yes but depending on the degree that you broke the trust, it may take some time and the command will have to be rebuilt. You will receive instruction on how to do that also.
Training develops a form of communication. Lucky for us, they are also forgiving creatures and unless we create a traumatic experience. we can fix mist misunderstandings.
Dogs are not out to overthrow the government of your household and are not trying to be dominant. It is more likely that you are not leading your pack and there must be a leader.
Their society is set up differently than ours. They have a pack leader always and we, in our human society, try to be fair. They have a pecking order, top dog on down to the last. They are loyal and nurturing to their pack as you should be to yours. After all, your family is your pack, including your dogs.
The next pages are intended to give you the rules of the game that I have created for your dog as well as some basic tips for success in developing you and your dogs agreed upon language. You will grow from there. That is my hope. Please take the time to learn these basic rules of the game.
Thank you for choosing, “Wizards of Paws Dog Training.” Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Kerrigan
253-431-1540
