Teach Dogs Polite Behaviors Instead

If you’re researching this topic, you’re probably following a popular TV personality who discusses dog training. I’m beyond thrilled you’re searching for dog training tips and would like to provide my take on the thought process of a calm and assertive pack leader.

I Wish It Were That Easy

Oh, how I wish! If it were that easy, pleading pet parent emails would disappear from my inbox and dog training blogs across the world would become silent. My phone would stop ringing and classes would be empty because pet parents would learn to be calm and assertive and their dogs would learn to listen to commands.

Beware of quick fixes in dog training. I wish with my entire heart that I could wave a magic wand and dogs would magically learn polite manners. Trust me, I’ve tried and it hasn’t worked yet (big grin!). Training dogs is not as hard as you think–that I can promise you.

Remove the pressure of walking with assertive energy (seriously, what does this mean anyway?) and take a deep breath in and out. Don’t you feel better now? Good! Now, fill your pockets with yummy treats for your dog and, by all means, walk in a normal pace and posture. Click and treat your dog for good behaviors instead.

RELATED: Clicker Training for Dogs

Stop Blaming Pet Parents

Wow, pet parents are riddled with stress, guilt and shame. They’ve been told, “If your dog is bad, it’s because of you. You caused it.” I can’t tell you how many pet parents break down during group class in actual tears and occasional sobbing. They’re worried their dog or puppy isn’t normal. What caused this fear? Who’s subconsciously telling pet parents their dog or puppy isn’t normal? Whoa, let’s stop and take a moment to bring reality back.

I honestly believe when folks know better, they do better. Someone doesn’t consciously decide to teach her dog naughty behaviors. Now, there are fruit loops in the world who make bad decisions everyday and I really don’t think they would spend time researching dog training blogs, do you? So I’m talking to you, the pet parent, trying to learn the easiest way to teach dogs polite behaviors. 🙂

Can you unknowingly teach naughty dog behaviors? Yes, it’s quite easy actually. 🙂 So shake the guilt and shame off, and learn what really works!

What Does Work

Puppies and dogs don’t come with an instruction manual nor have they read one before arriving at your home— oh I so wish they did! It’s our job to teach puppies and dogs polite manners instead of assuming naughty behaviors are plots to take over our home and lives.

Dogs are a lot like children. We spend time teaching kids where to potty, touch lightly (same as puppy nipping), play gently, self settling, behave politely in public and when guests come over, and so forth. Bingo, it’s the same with dogs! 🙂

Can you imagine walking calm and assertive around your teenagers? They would giggle and learn how to manipulate a situation for a specific outcome. That’s called learning. 🙂 Walking with your head held high and chest puffed out doesn’t teach your dog anything. Instead, spend time teaching your dog (and teenager) polite behaviors instead. Remember, there is no such thing as dominance between dogs and humans. This myth was dispelled over a decade ago.

Putting the time in now will pay huge dividends and shake off that “my dog is trying to boss me around” and “my puppy knows what I want, he’s just not doing it.” This is not what your dog is thinking, I promise. Instead, assume your dog is confused and teach him polite behaviors instead. 🙂 Dogs get confused, especially when we don’t provide clear details, so take a step back and make it easier.

Polite Manners

Looking for polite behaviors to teach? Enroll in a group class and take a peek around. We have hundreds of articles to help! Blogs are extremely helpful to reference during and after graduation, but they will never substitute a great group class and fabulous expert dog trainer.

I’m not selling anything here. I want to provide easy, honest and current dog training articles that will help you and your dog lead peaceful and happy lives. That’s worth its weight in gold for me!

READ ALSO: Feeding Multiple Dogs at Once