Training Tips

These tips are general information... they're not designed to treat behavioral problems!

1. KNOW YOUR BREED

Just because a dog is cute does not mean it's the right dog for you. Research the type of breed you are going to get. Even if it's a mutt, figure out what makes him tick...what two breeds is he made up of? Knowing your breed helps you to know what you're in for...hours of exercise and attention per day, vs. much less for other breeds. Trainability? Aloof? Energetic? Sedentary? There is a dog for everyone. You can even rescue a 10 year old MELLOW Greyhound. A dog that will die in the shelter is right for someone.

2. CREATE VOCABULARY

This is something that is so easy to do, and it will enhance your bond and relationship tremendously. Start by naming everything your dog does. As he's drinking water, say, "get water". As he's stepping outside, say, "go out". When he chooses to come back in say, "in the house". Add treats and praise. He'll soon learn these words, and he'll understand when you ask him to do things. Name toys, activities, people, etc...Be creative, and watch his vocabulary develop! You are now creating a common language. Working the brain tires a dog much like exercise does. He'll love it, and he'll be tired when he's done with a word training session. Keep in mind, vocabulary work should not be confused with formal obedience training--but it helps and enhances it. Keep training fun, and playful.

3. KEEP TRAINING SESSIONS SHORT

Train 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Leave them wanting. Don't train until the dog quits. This means you've done too much, and you were too boring, or your dog was not motivated enough.

4. MOTIVATE YOUR DOG

No learning can take place unless your dog is motivated to learn. What makes your dog tick? What does he love? If you can't answer these questions, you need to spend more time with your dog. Develop a game (be creative) that he loves...take a yummy treat, throw it across the room and say, "get it". Now he's learning to chase something when you say, "get it". Games can be very simple. Start there. When you know what motivates your dog, you can then use that as a reward for training. Do YOUR homework first, before you try to train your dog.

5. BOND FIRST, THEN TRAIN

This is the primary concept behind the Z Factor Training. Most people try to train their dog before they have a bond with him. Play, hand feed, take walks. Develop a bond first, and then attempt to do formal training. Dogs will not listen to you unless they respect, trust and bond with you first. Read the Z Factor Training and bond with your pup before you train. Your dog will do anything you want if you follow this rule.

6. EXERCISE

Every dog must exercise. If you dog is not fulfilled in this way, he can't learn or behave. Know your breed's requirements, and fulfill them. Instead of going to the gym...take a power walk or run with your dog. Go on a hike, or to the park. If your dog is wound up with excess energy, no training or learning can take place. Exercise and play helps to build a bond and trust with your dog. You become fun. Dogs teach each other using agnostic behaviors (play relationship teaches dogs about dominance and hierarchy within the pack). Remember, if you play tug of war, ALWAYS end up with the toy or don't play at all.

7. Z FACTOR TRAIN

Formally obedience train your dog. This sounds serious, but with the Z Factor Training, you'll learn how to bond, then train, and it's all a game! It's the most fun you'll ever have with your dog. (At least he'll think so) The Z Factor Training is designed to create a common language so you can communicate clearly to your dog. The #1 way we communicate is through words. How can you expect to communicate with someone who speaks a different language? That's right, you can't. So, you learn to speak dog, as your dog learns to speak English. You'll be able to communicate in a fun clear way. Your dog will listen because he WANTS to. He'll respect, trust and be bonded to you, for life.

8. GIVE YOUR DOG A JOB

Find something...anything, it could be fetch, get the paper, chase a stuffed marrow bone...give your dog a job. Be happy for him when he completes it. You can even teach him to know the names of all his different toys...be CREATIVE. If you're stumped, the Z Factor Training explains this in depth!

9. AN HOUR A DAY

You know the phrase...an apple a day, well, I say an hour a day, at least. This is the minimum!!! If you don't have time for a dog, DO NOT GET A DOG.

10. UNDERSTAND MYTHS

Tug of war is GREAT. This can be one of the best games you play with your dog. Always end up with the toy. By giving him an outlet to tug, he's less likely to do this behavior on your pant leg or sofa!!! Teach "speak", "dig", and "jump". Train these words as commands, and give your dog an outlet to be a dog. All dogs like to do these thigs. Instead of not allowing him to be a dog, teach him when and where to do his doggie behaviors. This is radical dog think here. Most trainers would NEVER allow these behaviors. I say, by teaching these behaviors on command, you'll see less of an occurrence of them in "real" life. Let your dog be a dog. Only, it's on your terms, not his. Build a simple sand-digging box in your back yard. Praise him when he digs here. Say, "no" with a loud voice if he digs elsewhere. Dogs are capable of conceptual learning. Give them credit. I've worked with dogs who can detect cancer in humans. My dog knows hundreds of words, and he can skateboard. Be creative. For more in depth explanation read The Z Factor. Another myth: large dogs are not apartment dogs. False. The largest breeds of all (Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland,) are all lumbering, slow breeds. They require MUCH less exercise than small or medium sized breeds like labs or golden retrievers. They're also excellent with children! They make great apartment dogs. Small breeds, on the other hand, can require a tremendous amount of exercise and attention (Jack Russell, Shib Inu)...Just be sure to research your breed. No dog needs a huge property or back yard, they only need your TIME, ENERGY, and LOVE, much like a child. Many "ranch dogs" on 100 acre properties are sitting by the sliding glass door, staring at their owner, just wanting to come inside and be a part of the pack.

11. DOGS ARE PACK ANIMALS

Your dog should sleep IN YOUR BEDROOM. They are pack animals, and pack animals den together. Dogs should be kept inside the house. We've domesticated these animals, they're not wild anymore. Let them in your house, and your heart. They'll be much more mellow and well behaved if you integrate them into your family, home, and lifestyle. OR DON'T GET A DOG.

12. NO NEGATIVE NAMES!!

Never use your dog's name when you scold him. Simply say, "NO" if he does something wrong. When you use his mane in a negative manner, then his name becomes a bad word, and he wont respond to it when you need him to come, sit, etc...Also, don't use his name when it's time to leave fun places: people say "Max, Come" and leave the dog park. Now he thinks his name means you're leaving a fun place. Well, the next time you call your dog to come...don't expect him to. You've just taught him to be ambivalent about his name. Don't use his name to clip his nails or give him a bath...unless he LOVES those activities. Get my drift? Good.

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