Are You the Leader?

Stacie Heeling Elsa P.

Here’s a QUICK review to make sure you are a leader to your dog:

• Use confident body language – stand tall whenever you are giving commands
• Give clear commands – don’t ask your dog to do something, but don’t yell either
• Always follow through – if you have given a command follow through until your dog responds
• Set him up for success – challenge your dog to advance his training skill level by adding time and distractions within reason
• Praise appropriately – if petting is too exciting and your dog wiggles out of position switch to verbal praise
• Give feedback (eye contact, praise, reward) while your dog is doing an exercise – not afterwards
• Correct (gentle leash or voice correction) while your dog is making a mistake – not afterwards
• Love him up at the appropriate time – did you ask your dog to earn your attention or did he come over and nudge you into it?
• Go through doorways first
• Make sure YOU are in charge of your walks – not the other way around

8 week Henry practicing “LOOK”

If you and your dog have slipped into some negative habits tether him to you for a few days – this is an easy way to remind your dog that you are the leader and he is the follower.  Keep things in check for a happy healthy relationship for years to come!

Yours in good training,

Stacie & Ronan