| These are tips provided for use with the working
service dog or personal pet. When used correctly, these tips
can help the handler gain control and further enjoy the full
capability and companionship of his/her dog.
These tips and information are provided as a public service.
If you have other questions or comments, please contact us, we are
always glad to offer our assistance.
The most important thing to remember is:
HE IS A DOG!
He does not remember his mother, but her early teachings have impact
on his behavior for the rest of his life.
He doesn't know that you are human, and he is
inhuman. He has no ego. He does not know that he---
is---
There is no significance to words represented by
"yesterday", "today", or "tomorrow". The concept of words such
as "goodness", "evil", "crime" or "punishment", are meaningless and
absent from his furry mind. He does not understand unfamiliar
sounds of voices, nor your thoughts, but he is attuned to your moods
and feelings.
He enjoys warmth, food, a caress, a reassuring
walk with his Master, without understanding WHY he enjoys.
He lives in a valley below reason and a mountain above reason,
incalcuably deeper in his environment than you or I to ours.
He experiences delight from the delightful and terror from the
dreadful unknown and is incapable of perceiving why it should be so.
He has no morals. He has inhibitions and
expectations. He has personality. He recognizes the
supremacy of his pack leader.
Odors that are appealing to you may be repugnant
to him. Sounds that stimulate you, may be akin to the curse of
Babel to him. Colors and visions you see with perfect clarity,
he perceives as passively bland. What you consider a pleasant
touch may be an assault to his wooly self. His brain and all
of his senses are geared to his personal survival.
If he sees like a dog, feels like a dog, smells
like a dog-----HE IS A DOG!! You cannot attribute human
attitudes to his mental and physical life.
In memory of Gert Sullivan
Master Trainer -
North American Police Work Dog Association
Property of
Sullivan Schools-information may not be reprinted without permission
C.P.R.
The three main keys to
any successful training for any animal are C.P.R.
- Consistency
- Patience
-
Repetition
Consistency
You must remain
consistent with your training. Determine before you begin
training what command you will use to enforce each response you want
the dog to learn and use that same command over and over. If
you continually change commands you will only confuse your dog and
it will make training a frustrating and difficult task. Also,
determine the reward you will use when he gives the correct
response, whether it be food, toy, praise, etc. He will learn
to expect that reward when he successfully completes each
command/response.
Examples:
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SIT-dog
goes into sit position
DOWN-dog lays down on the ground
OFF-get off if they jump up on either person or
something (i.e. couch or chair, etc.)
STAY-dog does not break position until given
the signal or command
HEEL-dog walks beside you on your left
in correct heeling position |
Patience
You must maintain patience at all times. If you get frustrated
and start to stress, your dog will sense it and it can affect your
training session. If you feel yourself begin to stress or get
frustrated, it's time to quit. Go back later after you have
had a chance to relax and calm down, then start again. Do
not
take out your frustration or anger on the dog by using excessive
corrections or abusing the dog. You can easily ruin a dog this
way.
Repetition
Keep in mind
that it takes an average of 150 times repeating a command and
response for the dog to completely learn and retain it. By
doing the same exercise over and over you are reinforcing the
behavior and response you expect of him. Be certain that you
are completing the same command/response each time so you do not
confuse your dog. Remember, he is not human, he is a dog, and
it is unfair to him and to you to attribute emotions and logic that
he does not possess.
Ten Commandments
for responsible dog owners
-
My life is likely to
last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very
painful.
-
Give me time to
understand what you want of me.
-
Place your trust in
me-it is crucial for my well being.
-
Don't be angry with
me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have
your work, your friends, your entertainement.
I have only you!
-
Talk to me.
Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice
when it's speaking to me.
-
Be aware that
however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
-
Before you hit me,
remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in
your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
-
Before you scole me
for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might
be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,
I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old
and weak.
-
Take care of me when
I get old, you too, will grow old.
-
Go with me on
difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it",
or "let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for
ME
if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Material
reprinted from published web site:
Dr. P's Dog Training
Library
A reminder to all that have a dog
either indoors or out, in extreme temperatures make sure he
has the following readily available:
In extreme heat:
Free access to fresh COLD water
Plenty of shade at all times of the day
Dry, clean shelter: i.e. dog house or crate
*Remember, DO NOT leave your dog in a closed car for any
length of time. Temps inside the car rise quickly and can kill
within minutes.
In extreme cold:
Dry, warm, clean shelter: i.e. dog house or crate
Plenty of food and fresh water.
These tips and information are provided as a public service.
If you have other questions or comments,
please contact us, we are
always glad to offer our assistance of your pet or service dogs'
needs and be a responsible handler/owner.
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