Obedience Training in a Nutshell

Generally speaking, obedience training isn't a very complicated process. We get the dog into a position, say a word that signals to the dog they've done it correctly, and then reward. Do that many times in different settings, positions, and proximities, and you'll be most of the way there.

At some point, you've got to let the dog know that they do have to do what you've asked, and that's often completion of the basics in obedience. To get advanced obedience, like sits and downs out of motion (which I think you should have for safety), you'll need some other tricks that go beyond the scope of a blog.

What I want to talk about a bit, is the idea of motivation in obedience training. This is true of pet dog obedience, as well as competition and working dog obedience.

Motivation again?

Yep. I spoke with someone recently who wanted me to teach them how to use an electric collar because their dog ignored them in public.

I politely declined to do so, as they collar, or lack thereof, wasn't the issue. The issue was that the dog didn't have an intense desire to do things with their owner. They were competing with everything else in the environment, and adding an aversive wasn't going to get them the results they were after.

That's not to say that I have anything against electric collars. I like them, and I do use them in some of my programs. Like any tool for any task, it has its place. However, much like your trusty hammer is necessary in building a home, it can instantly bring that home down.

Instead, I suggested building a more play and engagement-based approach with the dog, then teaching obedience within the game(s), and using the electric collar as a finishing tool.

It's about the why of the behaviors, not the how

If you can get your dog to fall in love with training, you'll need fewer corrections, less pressure overall, and reach heights you thought weren't possible.

Whenever I introduce play to people, they first ask the dog to sit, no matter how many times I tell them to play the game with no obedience attached. Get the cooperation, authority (for you) and rules in place of the game on its own.

Then, start asking for behaviors and use the game as a reward.

Try that for a week or two, or longer, and see whether your dog's attitude in those sits and downs improves. They'll probably get a bit faster, too.

Or, you can go back to wondering why your dog tunes you out in public and new settings.