Dog Training the Easy Way

By Gayle Cousineau

Dog training is far more than teaching your dog to listen and respond to commands. The commands are useful, but what is more important is the relationship that develops between you and your pup.

Dog training the easy way starts with your state of mind. I'm sure you have heard that what you are feeling travels down the leash. There is more to it than that. When the leash is off, the transfer of energy doesn't stop. The leash is a conduit of sorts, but really it's more of a visual for illustration. A leash is not required for your dog to sense what's going on. Dogs are very in tune with what is happening with other dogs and there is no physical object connecting them.

Dog training becomes much easier when you relax and you "know" what you want from your dog. They will get it much quicker than if you aren't certain. Let's say you are walking with them and you are anxious and thinking about work or money (or politics). If you shift your attention on your pup and enjoying the time, they will be more responsive to you.

Some are saying -"yeah, right." That is the correct response, because it is true! =)

How fun is it for you to go for a walk with someone you care about and they are not tuned in to you or the atmosphere as their mind is somewhere else? I'm not saying that your dog will give up all natural responses and instinct and not be distracted by a passing leaf or lizard. This shows how they live in the moment. That's the difference. Be in the moment and let the distractions come and go like your dog does.

One way of knowing your dog is "with" you when walking is that when you walk slow, they walk slow. When you walk fast, they walk fast, Usually, when you slow down, they will look up at you in anticipation of what's next. Dog training is made easy when you realize your intention is to be with your dog enjoying a walk and stopping occasionally to chase a leaf or lizard - for you that may be to smell a flower.

Gayle Cousineau http://divadogtraining.com/blog Dog Trainer and Behavior Modification for Dogs and Their Humans