Service Dogs
Question: I watched service dogs being trained and they're so obedient. Is there some way we can train our dogs to be just as obedient?
Answer: We can absolutely train our dogs to be just as obedient as service dogs. The key is consistency and exposure. Most pet owners who want well trained dogs bring their dogs to a puppy class as well as a basic obedience class. This is a great way to achieve the basics--sit, down and stay. Owners can also teach a reliable recall. However, this is where most people stop training.
To train your dog to have the obedience level of a service dog, you need to be willing to invest time and effort, and view every day as a training experience.
Service dogs must be calm and attentive in every environment with every distraction imaginable. We need to train our dogs in places where we want them to behave. By exposing your dog to a variety of places and environments, it will become commonplace and expected, not new and exciting like it is for most dogs. When you are exposing your dog to these environments, you’ll also need to add in all the exciting and tempting distractions that will challenge your dog throughout life.
Family dogs tend to behave as very young children. Young children and dogs make it clear what they want and when they want it. Young children have a hard time with patience and waiting to get a toy or treat, sometimes demanding what they want. Family pets will jump, nudge, whine and pull to get what they want, or at times just turn a deaf ear. As children get older, they understand that rewards must be earned, and there is a time and place for play. They learn self control, patience and manners. This is similar to service and working dogs who know when they are “on the job” they must be under complete control and attentive.
Your dog’s self-control and attention will be gained through baby steps. Train your dog by setting up challenges that are achievable. True training is achieved when a dog is able to resist any distraction and listen to any command you give.
Every month or so, Sonia will answer questions from our members. To submit a question, please email us with the word "TRAINER" in the subject line. We regret that Sonia won't be able to respond personally to every question.
For more information about Sonia's services, please contact Sonia at:
Canine Techniques
www.CanineTechniques.com
603-475-5295
SMullen@CanineTechniques.com