Teresa Mills and Cindy
Visit Cindy's Tribute Site: A Tribute To Dogs

Responsible pet owners and obedient dogs are not born that way-- they are educated. Many people do not realize that a dog needs an education, just as a child does, to function successfully in our society. No dog can become a well behaved member of the household without training. Training gives you a more controlled dog at home and in public; plus, gives stability to your dog's life by letting him know what you expect of him.

Dogs need to learn what different words, commands, and gestures mean. A well trained dog is capable of learning and understanding the meaning of 40 or more words. Every dog needs to know five basic commands: heel, sit, down, come, and stay. In an emergency, the knowledge of these five commands could actually save your pet's life.

Dogs do not understand our language, so we must show them what we want them to do and what our words mean. For example, when teaching your dog to sit, you need to give the"sit" command, while simultaneously guiding him into the sit position with your hands. After you get your dog to sit, it is very important to praise your dog so that he associates the "sit" word with his behavior and realizes that is what you want him to do when you give him that command.

A dog learns by repetition; it takes approximately 100 repetitions of a command before a dog fully understands the meaning of a word. A well trained dog obeys you instantly with one command under any circumstance. Do not assume that your dog knows a command if he only obeys the command some of the time. Your dog might have an acquaintance with the work, but he probably does not truly comprehend its meaning. Keep training him and eventually he will obey the command every time it is issued.

A dog is very much like a young child and interacts with his human family very much in the same way a child interacts with his own family. Once a dog knows his master is the source of his needs and wants, he will experiment with different methods of attracting your attention to get what he desires, just as a child does with his parents. For example, if your dog learns he gets what he wants by whining, he will whine. It is important to channel these inclinations into paths you desire and to eliminate the behavior that is undesirable.

In training, inappropriate behavior is discouraged and never tolerated, while appropriate behavior is always encouraged. A dog that is praised when he does something right and corrected when he does something wrong, learns acceptable behavior. This is done by consistent reinforcement. A well trained dog knows what he can do and what he cannot do, although like a child, he may occasionally test his boundaries from time to time.

Your dog should obey you because he respects, loves, trusts, and wants to please you. Training is not accomplished in a day, a week, or even a month; it is a lifelong commitment, but the results will be worthwhile when your dog listens and responds to your commands. A well trained dog is a joy to own and a true companion.

If your dog is unruly, obnoxious, and a menace to the neighborhood, it is your fault! It is your responsibility to educate and train your dog to give him the skills necessary to become a well behaved family member and a good neighborhood citizen.

© 2000 Teresa Mills. All Rights Reserved.