In just a few short weeks, students across Sarasota and Bradenton will be heading back to school after a fun-filled break.
While some students fall right back into the routine, teachers report that many students need to be re-taught the basics to get them back into the swing of the disciplines they have learned in the past.
So as their humans are heading back into the classroom, we ask this question – do your dogs also need to go back to school for a refresher course?
Back To School Requires Consistency
One of the key components of successfully training your dog is consistency. In fact, it is probably the most important aspect of teaching your dog to obey you every time. When a dog has attended obedience training, the professional dog trainers work on your dog’s consistency of response. At Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training, we keep your dogs with us throughout a 2 week period in order to train them effectively, teach them to socialize with other dogs, and how to walk without distractions. Once the dog is returned to you, we will transition the dog and help you to understand the importance of your role in continuing their training in the subsequent weeks and months.
But sometimes life gets in the way, and human family members may not be as consistent as the professionals were. It is not really the dog’s fault, but their training starts to slip, and you may get frustrated as they begin to ignore commands once again. Some common problems which will reoccur without reinforcement are:
-
- Barking at the sound of the doorbell, and jumping on new visitors
- Straining at the leash when walking, not heeling
- Reacting to distractions, such as other dogs walking past, or birds and squirrels. This reaction could be barking, chasing after, straining on the leash, or whining.
- Refusing to come when called, or refusing to listen to an “off” command.
- Begging at the dinner table, or becoming physically aggressive if they want your attention.Like students returning to school, sometimes it only takes a short period of reinforcement in order to get back into good habits. But if you have not been consistent with your dog for a long period of time, you may not be able to get him back on track without going back to formal training. Remember, the dog takes his cues from you. So if he learns that you will say “no” to his begging several times, but then you give in – he will understand that all he needs to do is pester you and he will get what he wants.
The reality is, when it comes to effective dog training – sometimes the dog is easier to teach to change behaviors than the human is.
Your Dog Craves Consistency
Although their actions may seem to indicate otherwise, your dog will feel much more safe and secure when they understand the rules and boundaries. Therefore, although you may think you are loving your dog by being lenient and permissive, it is actually confusing to them. Sometimes their behavior is ok with you, and sometimes they get yelled at, nd they never know which is coming. Adopting a regimen of consistency will help to create a harmonious and happy relationship and household.
This fall, consider sending your dog back to school, and commit to providing him with a consistent training and obedience environment at home as well. For help with training, socialization, or behavior issues, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Trainers. We’ve been helping Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton dogs learn – and keep- good manners for years.
