A Master Dog Trainer's Secret

2008-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

I grew up with more dogs running around the house than I could ever count. There was a constant stream of them coming and going, as my mother has been running an animal placement and adoption agency out of the home since the 1980s. I have been witness to pretty much every problem anyone could have with a dog, both firsthand and in hearing the many reasons why people have to give up their pet when bringing them to my mother.

My mother is famous across North America for being able to take any dog, no matter what behavioral problem it may have, and turn him or her into a loving and well-behaved companion ready for placement in a new home.

Many people have tried to unlock her secret, and we have scoured libraries and the internet for tools to share with people to assist them in their training efforts. Recently we have discovered SitStayFetch: a holistic and loving approach to both preventing and dealing with your dog’s behavior problems.

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER SitStayFetch!

WHAT IS IT?

The SitStayFetch program starts out with new-owner advice (how to choose a puppy/dog, the best places to get one from, breed information, puppy/dog-proofing your home, the first vet visit, housetraining, etc) and then moves into more advanced territory about behavioral problems (such as aggression, dominance, chewing, digging, excessive barking, separation anxiety, to name a few), obedience commands, health-related dog problems (allergies, cat/dog coexistence, fleas, heatstroke, and so on), and advanced commands and tricks.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT IT

SitStayFetch describes and teaches a method of communication called Dog Whispering. When we read about this, we had a big ‘a-ha’ moment because this is the same intuitive style of dog training based on a philosophy of clear communication and mutual respect that we have been using for years without giving it a name. SitStayFetch includes a history of the technique, and teaches how to use voice and body language to your greatest advantage so that you can calmly, assertively, and effectively train and correct your dog. We highly recommend this as a humane and loving method for disciplining and training your dog.

WHO WANTS FREEBIES?

The SitStayFetch program includes a complete and detailed manual on training your dog, preventing and handling behavioral problems, and tons of general-knowledge tips and advice. But that’s only the beginning.

You also four bonus books dealing with:
• Advanced housetraining methods – including crate- and paper-training
• A detailed study on resolving canine aggression
• How to effectively groom your dog – including coat care for specific breeds, dental care, and nail clipping
• How to begin to train your dog for security work

You also get a personalized consultation with a member of SitStayFetch’s training staff.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In her near-three decades solving dogs’ behavior problems in order to make them suitable for placement in a new home, my mother has been trying to find a way to teach her style of dog training. Trying to find a product that bridges the gap between general theory and an individualized approach has been a challenge.

But with SitStayFetch, we have found a product we can confidently recommend whether your dog is a new addition to your family, or you want to reach a new level of depth and connection with your long-time companion.

Highly recommended.

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER SitStayFetch!

10 Loving Ways to Connect with Your Dog

2008-09-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Every dog is unique, but there are a handful of general guidelines that can be a big help relating to your companion.

1. Establish that you’re the alpha dog
You are in charge. This is one of the most important points to reinforce if you want your dog to respect and obey you.

2. Make him sit before you feed him
This is a behavior that reinforces your dominant position.

3. Use rewards instead of punishment
Your dog is not misbehaving out of spite or malice. Punishment occurs after the fact and your dog does not connect the unwanted behavior and the punishment. Reward your dog for good behavior. Even giving a treat when he’s laying quietly in his bed will noticeably reduce occurrences of bad behavior. Additionally, reward-based training feels better for you.

4. Do not use violence
Your dog will not be able to connect your act of violence to the behavior you are trying to reprimand, leaving to confusion. Further, this teaches your dog to use violence to get what he wants.

5. Be consistent
This is the number one rule of dog training. It will only confuse your dog and lead to other problems if, say, you reward him with affection when he jumps up on you but scold him when he jumps up on visitors.

6. Maintain eye contact
Dogs look for cues from their leader in the eyes. By maintaining eye contact, you help your dog understand what you want from him. Additionally, it trains your dog to look to you for guidance in situations where there are many distractions.

7. Give your dog lots of exercise
This alone will solve many common behavior problems. Problems such as biting, chewing, or running away are often simply a way for your dog to use up excess energy.

8. Keep chew toys around at all times
Chewing is an activity that comes naturally to your dog so it is a must that he have something to chew on. By training your dog to chew on his toys – and only on his toys – you not only avoid him chewing on your belongings; you also give him an outlet for energy that he might otherwise express in a variety of negative ways.

9. Keep training sessions short
Dogs do not have the same attention spans that people do so keep training sessions short and frequent instead of long and only once or twice a week. And during each session, keep repetitions down to three or so, then take a break to play.

10. Ask for help if you need to
Never forget that that your dog has his own personality. No one has yet written a book about YOUR dog. Take in information, apply what works and makes sense, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you feel like you’re struggling. NOTE: if you see a sudden change in your dog’s behavior or temperament, see a vet right away!

I hope that these tips help you develop a more loving and supportive relationship with your dog.

Love on Four Legs

A Master Dog Trainer's Secret

10 Loving Ways to Connect with Your Dog