Train Your Dog the Positive Way: A Step by Step Guide to Having a Well Behaved Dog

© 2014 Sandi Strause. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/29/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3308-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-3309-6 (e)

All photos by Tracy Penrod and illustrations by Sandi Strause.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Table of Contents

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 Dogs In Our Families

CHAPTER 2 Positive Reinforcement And Negative Punishment….What’s This?

CHAPTER 3 Breed Groups

Sporting Dogs

Hounds

Working Dogs

Terriers!

Toys

Non-Sporting

Herding

CHAPTER 4 The Way Dogs Communicate

Body Language

Relaxed

Alert

Offensive

Defensive

Stressed

Passive Submissive

Active Submissive

Play Bow

CHAPTER 5 Puppies!

CHAPTER 6

Fear Imprint Period

Ideal Bonding Period

Socialization Period

CHAPTER 7 How Your Dog Learns

CHAPTER 8 Training Tools

Buckle Collar

Combination Collar

Head Collar or Head Halter

Leashes

Body Harness

Crates

Canine Vehicle Restraint (Dog Seat Belt)

CHAPTER 9 Toys

Chew Toys

Play Toys

CHAPTER 10 Leadership Rules

CHAPTER 11 Training Lessons

LOOK

OKAY

SIT

DOWN

HEEL

STAND

FRONT

COME

SIT STAY

DOWN STAY

LOOSE LEASH WALKING

GET IN or BY ME

LEAVE IT

WAIT

CHAPTER 12 Specific Problem Solving

Housebreaking or Potty Training

Puppy Nipping

Jumping on Everyone

Jumping on Furniture

Barking, Barking, Barking

Rowdy Dog in the House

Chewing on Everything

Dig, Dig, Dig, Dig

Begging or Scrounging Around the Table

Stealing From Counters

Stool Eating (EEWWWW!)

THIS IS NOT THE END!

Have you seen those dogs who respond to their humans in any situation? Do you know the secrets? Read on.

First, let me explain my method for training dogs. I prefer to use the least confrontational approach to any dog. I use positive reinforcement and negative punishment or correction techniques. This means the giving of or adding, (+) or the removal or withdrawal of (-), highly valued rewards to produce the results you are looking for. It may sound complicated now, but, after reading this book you will better understand your dog and how you can communicate better.

One of the many reasons I prefer this method is that these techniques are effective and more forgiving than other techniques that involve physical corrections, as in the old school methods. I have found that a dog is more compliant when you are using positive methods for shaping as well as verbal communication. As the old adage goes, You can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. Think of your paycheque as the reward for your work. Would you do your job for free? I don’t think so. There is always some sort of payoff that we are all looking for. Same principle with dogs.

This creates a relationship built on positive interaction and consistency and can often nip future behavior issues in the bud. It has been proven that learning happens faster and redirection is more effective when it is accompanied by something that the dog likes or enjoys. You don’t want your dog to fear you. Ideally your dog should look forward to interacting with you.

Using a balance of valuable (in the dog’s opinion) rewards, (not always food or treats) consistency and patience these techniques are humane, effective and help to build a proper, healthy, canine/human relationship.

I have been a professional trainer for a number of years, and one of the best rewards for me has been to see the pleasure that humans get from living with a well behaved and balanced dog that is welcomed in all environments.

I would like to thank you, Dear Reader, for taking the time and putting forth the effort to ensure your dog is a pleasure to be around, with good manners and training.

Happy Training!

CHAPTER 1

Dogs in our Families

Everyone has some type of family relationship with structure, rules and responsibilities for each member. Jobs or chores are assigned by and performed by certain members of the family.

Dogs used to be responsible members of our families with important jobs to do. They would guard our property, protect us, herd our livestock, hunt vermin, pull carts, etc.

In the past, most dog owners had less disposable income to spend on their dogs. There were no packaged dog foods, they ate our leftovers. Dogs were expected to work, they were respected members of the family, not a substitute for children. Phobias, barking, and undesirable behaviours were not seen, or maybe not noticed, as frequently as they are now. The dogs lived within a consistent social order and dog breeders were still breeding for working ability - not just size or coat.

Humans today unintentionally contribute to unwanted behaviours by allowing the dog to get up on the bed, eat all day long, come and go as they please, have lots of unearned possessions to guard and are showered with affection and any of the dog’s demands are met. This places the dog in a leadership role which leaves other members of the family subordinate to the dog. Then they wonder why their dog is not obedient! The dog has been treated like a King or Queen! This mindset needs to be reset, (attitude adjustment) to help your dog regain its rightful place as a respected, responsible member of your family.

OLD SCHOOL training methods were confrontational and even cruel sometimes. Using the alpha roll over, scruff shake and direct stare was all the rage. We now realize that those methods were considered threatening to the dog. A calm, confident leader would not need to resort to those corrections. Dogs communicate with one another by posturing, social rituals and avoiding confrontations. An injured dog cannot hunt, protect itself, forage or travel for food. The dog would die! Therefore, real attacks that could injure each other, are rare. As the leader in your family, it is important to appear strong, dependable, consistent, fair and non-confrontational.

Dogs become stressed when there is no leader around. It is your job, as a responsible dog owner, to be a kind, benevolent leader for your dog. Your duties as the leader are to establish and enforce rules and maintain the social order of the family.

As we all know, members of our society have laws and rulers to avoid the chaos that would happen otherwise. Rules help keep peace and make us all feel secure.

Let’s take the stress of being a leader off of your dog and let them just Be the dog.

CHAPTER 2

Positive Reinforcement

and Negative Punishment….What’s This?

Don’t feel confused or overwhelmed with these terms. Just relax, read, absorb what you need for now and reread this book often.

We will start with the essential elements required for training a dog.

Motivation - In order to