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Train to Your Dog’s Strengths and He Will Have No Weaknesses
2 Comments | Posted by Suzy in Dog Training Tips, Magnificent Mutts
We are constantly wishing our dogs would quit doing this or that – quit jumping up, quit running away, quit getting in the trash. But I have found that if you can focus on your dog’s strengths, the bad behavior diminishes. Take for example Ricochet – the service dog in training…
My proudest example is Kalee. When we adopted her at four years old, she was always in the trash and jumping the fence to explore the neighborhood on her own. It took my friend Kathy pointing out that if she likes to jump and run, we should try dog agility. Kathy was right. Not only did Kalee stop jumping the fence and getting into things around the house, but agility training led me down a long path (10+ years) of dog sports, and the added benefit of a very well mannered dog who listens and loves nothing more than waiting for my next request.
Troubles with your dog? Look for what your dog does well, and capitalize on that!
2 Comments for Train to Your Dog’s Strengths and He Will Have No Weaknesses
Author comment by Suzy | January 16, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Author comment by Brianna | January 17, 2010 at 6:04 pm
What a cute video! It reminds to keep my training in perspective and always enjoy what they can do.
Update – I guess Kalee is getting bored. In the past month she has begun pestering us with expectant looks and burying, and re-burying, bones in the backyard. Yesterday, she got into the trash.
We had quit Rally classes about 4 months ago because her displaysia hips couldn’t handle the constant sit-stand required of the sport. So next week I am going to start teaching her K9sign, and if she doesn’t straiten up her behavior, look into joining a freestyle or competition obedience class. Can you believe she’s 14?!?!