Am I boring my dog?: and 99 other things every dog wishes you knew by Edie Jarolim

Author:Edie Jarolim [Edie Jarolim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: - Divers
ISBN: 9781592578801
Published: 2009-08-15T07:00:00+00:00

64. CAN TRAINING BE LEARNED ENTIRELY THROUGH BOOKS AND DVDS?

Only if you plan never to take your dog out of the house and introduce her to new people and situations. If you’ve got a puppy, it’s especially crucial that she work with a professional who can quickly assess her temperament—strengths as well as weaknesses—to help her get the most out of a training class.

Your temperament needs to be assessed by a professional, too. Even the most ambitious autodidact54 won’t succeed with books and tapes without getting somebody knowledgeable—and neutral—to evaluate the follow-through. You may think you’re being consistent, but while your mouth is praising “Good dog,” your body language may be bellowing “That’s the last liver treat you’ll see unless you shape up, bud.”

That said, getting a background in reward-based training techniques and watching them performed effectively will positively reinforce your decision to give your dog confidence and make him revel in your presence rather than playing on his insecurities and making him fear you. A prime place to get started is www.dogstardaily.com, which posts an array of excellent free demonstrations and downloads, including books and videos by the always entertaining Ian Dunbar, veterinarian, certified dog trainer, and site cocreator. The site’s blogs, written by such top behavioral experts as Nicolas Dodman and Patricia McConnell, are very informative, and the recommended products section can lead you to other star talent in the field (including Suzanne Clothier, Jean Donald-son, and Karen Pryor, among my favorites).

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