DOG Training TOYS

Whenever I teach class, I start off with a review of the commands we are going to cover in the program. I then discuss what equipment each student will need to successfully train their dog. I also make it a point to ask each owner what breed or type of dog they will be bringing (my first group lessons are typically without the dogs). After sharing a lit¬tle breed knowledge with the rest of the class, I then open up the floor for any questions the students may have. Without fail, almost all the questions I am asked concern problem behaviors. These include: How do I stop my dog from jumping up on people? My dog nips and mouths on my hands and feet. My dog is a maniac when she comes in the house, barks excessively, steals food off counters, eats my furniture, is tearing up my yard, etc.
The truth is, far more people enroll in training classes to address behavior problems than they do to teach their dogs basic commands. For this reason, chapters 5 and 6 of this book are devoted to helping you solve or curtail many of the common behaviors that dog owners find challenging.

These methods have worked with millions of people and are tried and tested. Remember, no method works for every dog. In addition, for training to be effective, it must be done consistently.

GOALS

These are the goals for this chapter:

1. Identify the problem you wish to address.
2. Learn the solutions to the behavior problem you wish to solve.
3. Apply the solution with patience, consistency, understanding and love.

Here are the problems I’ll cover in this chapter:

• Jumping
• Puppy nipping and mouthing
• Unruly behavior in the house
• Begging food from the table
• Stealing food from counters
• Jumping on furniture
• Excessive barking

JUMPING

When addressing a jumping problem,…