For the inexperienced like me problems can be hard to overcome (Dog Training Techniques)

Member Name: sarah101

Product:	Dog Training Techniques
Date:	30/09/08 (73 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: My dog is happier now

Disadvantages: A lot of the blame laid with me!

I am no expert at all and have only ever owned one dog - my current dog for just over three years. I just wanted to write in this review section for people like me who may have a dog and love it but haven't read all the books on training, have maybe had a few issues with their dogs and maybe need to build their confidence with dogs.

I got a smaller dog thinking it would be easier to manage than a big dog - I learned after about two weeks that it doesn't really make much difference how small or large your dog is!

I took part in a training club and successfully did the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Puppy classes, however got stuck at the Bronze level and as I was fairly happy with my dog when the class changed days (they train on different days in the winter and summer) I am sorry to say I stopped going. If I am totally honest I was a bit embarrassed going every week for my dog to struggle with the same things every week as she was nervous of the other dogs and would not do much with other dogs near to her.

I continued on with my dog at home, making small steps as she was nervous of a lot of things and encouraging her every time we met new people who wanted to say hello when on walks. It was only after having the dog for about 2 years that I realised my slight anxiety around larger dogs did not help her in any way. I needed to overcome my nerves around big dogs and not think that every large dog running towards us in the park is a potential threat. This took a while and took me going to walk a friends large cross breed dog a few times and see that those large dogs running towards us were running to say hello!

This was a big step for me and I started relaxing around big dogs and patting them and using a high excited tone when they were approaching and I still continue to do this (yes I know I look and sound a bit mad most of the time!) but this has really made a difference for Daisy. Before she would run behind me and run away from most dogs but now she either ignores them or tries to play chase with them - with the front part of her down and her bum wiggling in the air I know she is happy and wants to play!

I decided at the start of this year to re-do some training with Daisy and contacted my old club, at first I did more intensive classes with Daisy and only 5 or so other dogs and the trainers remembered how nervous she used to be and were impressed with her now. After doing a few courses of 5 or 6 weeks with them I went back to the main group (typical that the day changed and once again have had to stop going - but am trying to move things around and get back into it again!)

Daisy also does agility with the children and is really getting into that and I think the confidence she now has helps with her day to day walks and interactions with other dogs.

I never really paid much attention to the tone I used or how excited I tried to sound with my dog as I honestly did not think it would make that much of a difference. I had tried treats and foods during walks to give her when dogs approached or after they passed but she was still nervous. I tried walking the other way and avoiding large dogs which I feel now only added to her anxiety around them.

I think in all my waffling and inexperience what I am trying to show is that how you feel and react will play a massive part on how your dog reacts. Tone of voice is also something I swear by as I can see such an improvement in my dog just because I sound all excited and high pitched!

Summary: I think everyone should try and find a dog training club just to socialize your dog and bond better