Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.  When I was growing up, I learned from my folks the power of positive training and how this interaction provides a great foundation of communication and trust between you and your pup.  I’ve worked with several pet parents to help them take their pup’s unwanted behavior and modify it into a desired action.

For instance, when I first adopted Bear she would practically poke out your eye, jumping and leaping to give you a puppy kiss every time she greeted you.  This was not desired behavior and I worked with Bear to take this behavior, put a word and hand signal to it, and turn the original undesired behavior into a positive action. I started by asking for a ‘Bear Hug’ and tapped my stomach every time she looked like she was going to launch.  Along with practicing this positive word/hand signal with her jumping, we practiced sitting and greeting each time she approached.

The combination of these training activities resulted in Bear now greeting you with a sit; and then, if you want a Bear hug, you can ask for one or just tap your stomach.

There are several actions our pups give us which provide us an opportunity to put a word to their actions.  Another action pups do is to rollover for belly rubs, the perfect time to train ‘roll over.’

The more actions you observe your pup naturally doing, the more words you can associate with the action, resulting in you and your pup building a strong vocabulary and communication.  Even such simple things as if you see them starting to jump on a rock or over a log, you can say “on” or “over” to begin the word association with that action.

It’s best to use one word for actions, and praise by saying “YES.” Avoid longer sentences as they will pick out certain words for the action association. It’s best to keep your action word to one word and always be consistent. Sit means sit, stay means stay, so you’ll ask for a sit, “YES;” then a stay, “YES” and reinforce each action independently.

Most training can be done in such a fashion that it’s a game for both the pup and you, fun for all!  Of course, it’s always best if you have a tasty morsel to share with them as a treat to reinforce the positive behavior. Also, when training, try to remember to stop before they get bored with the activity as you want them to come back for more and always have fun. Training can be challenging and it’s easy to get frustrated, so if you feel yourself getting frustrated be sure to stop training as your pup will pick up on your energy and start to become frustrated themselves.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other critters. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email at info@4theluvofdogz.com for more information.