There is a tongue-in-cheek expression that "good dog training is boring to watch." While dog training is fascinating to watch, the expression means that good dog training frequently looks like very little of note is happening even when there is a lot occurring. Positive based dog training doesn't involve big movements, shouting, jerking on leashes, forcing the dog into certain positions or directions, or making dramatic changes at all once. It revolves around letting the dog make choices and setting them up so the choice you desire is the one most appealing to the dog. It's about mild exposure to stimulus and staying below threshold so that the dog doesn't have negative experiences. It's goal is building a confident dog who enjoys making the choices you'd like them to make under your benevolent leadership, and moving with your dog as a partner.
Pulling to get closer to sniff that!
Yesterday Cody and I had a "boring to watch" training session that involved a short 20 minute walk around my neighborhood. I haven't walked Cody before this point, and I wasn't able to until I could put a harness on him to protect his throat. I didn't know how he would do as a dog who has spent so many years in a single small pen at the no-kill shelter. To my delight I saw great body language from Cody!
Eagerly exploring the scents in the grass.
Cody did fantastic and had a great time on his walk. Cody made sure to sniff and mark everything he could and was ready to continue his walk past the point that we turned around. This boy enjoys his walks - good thing he'll be getting more of them!
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