How Did You Do That?

I get asked that a lot. Just the other day, I taught a 6 month old puppy how to stay in a matter of minutes when her owners had failed to do so after a few months of trying. The owner exclaimed ‘how did you do that?!’ Followed by, ‘does she actually understand what you’re saying?’

I assure you it’s not magic–and if you wanted me to I could teach the same command (or any for that matter) without words. It’s all about believe-ability. When you instruct your dog to do something, are you telling them or are you asking? How do you present yourself? If roles were reversed, would you believe you? Most importantly, do you understand what you are teaching them and the importance behind said command?

If we do not understand what we are trying to teach our dog, or if we come across as hesitant or negotiable, our dog will not follow through with the directive. Mainly due to the fact that they have no clue what you are trying to teach them, and they do not take you seriously! But really, what they are sensing is your uncertainty. A dog simply will not follow someone who is unsure. In their mind, they’re better off calling the shots on their own than following someone who has no confidence in themselves–and it is this very element of the dog/human relationship that oftentimes gets everyone into some sort of trouble!

Now, there is no need to shout or get overly dramatic or get angry in order for your dog to take you seriously. On the contrary, these actions will get even further away from your goal! When you are trying to teach your dog something, I want you to envision the most confident dog in a dog run. This is the dog that stands tall, has his chest out, and no one messes with. He’s not the fighter, or the jumper, or the barker. His very presence embodies the essence of calm, cool, and controlled. After you have this picture in your head, go about projecting your desire to your dog. Be it sit, down, stay, or give me space. Stand up straight, hold your head high, and use your command tone-and deliver your command. Once you have begun this conversation, do not back down. Make sure the command is received and the dog follows through. If he does not initially, stay calm, and follow through until there is commitment on his end. This is how you present yourself as a solid leader, one whose dog wants to listen to and obey. Why? Because it is easier to follow than it is to lead–and your dog prefers to follow than lead and day of the week–they just have to know that you are someone worth following!