04/04/2025
"I just want my dog to listen"
We hear this sentiment from clients all. the. dang. time.
and we get it, we really do!
BUT.... what happens when you haven't told your dog what to do or haven't given them a command/cue? Those are the moments where well-trained differs from well-behaved - and realistically, that's probably your reall goal 😉
So how does this idea of training vs behaving shift the way we train?
Well, well-behaved dogs know the answer to the question without being in "command."
Well-behaved is a mindset; it's a way of thinking and problem solving; it's shifting from an extrinsic motivation to an intrinsic one.
We often rely heavily on obedience (IE "listening to us") thinking it will help our dogs be well-behaved in the future. When, in reality, most dogs will follow the command, get a treat (extrinsic motivator), and then go right back to what they wanted to do in the first place without having learned what we really wanted from them.
If we want a well-behaved dog, then a couple of things need to shift:
👉Clear communication: if you throw 5 different words at them (leave it, drop it, out, no, don't touch that ;)) each time you want them to do something, it's confusing for them (and probably for you)
👉Prioritizing calm/relaxation EVERY DAY: If your dog can't relax, they can't think. If they can't think they can't make good choices ;)
👉Consistent Marker Words: Having 2-4 simple words to mean "I like what you're doing" and "I don't like what you're doing"
👉Meeting their needs: If we NEED our dogs to behave, then we NEED to make sure their mental & physical needs are met (this often means more than just a stroll around the neighborhood)
👉Allowing Processing Time: This is the problem-solving portion; let your dog find the answer on their own in training! Say your cue (ONCE) and wait -yes, the waiting is hard, but you're literally rewiring their brain - see 2nd slide.
Creating a well-behaved dog takes a shift in your lifestyle; it takes a shift in your training mindset, and it may just require a shift in YOU to get you and your dog to the place of your dreams.
but you CAN do it, & you and your dog deserve it❤️
In-Home Dog Trainer who believes coaching humans is just as important as training dogs.
