Why should I train my dog? For the same reason we learn to speak and write; because we need a communication means, a communication code comprehensible and understood , so we can communicate. Without a code of communication, one we all understand and accept , we would not be able to communicate. We use words that have a preordained meaning and thus communication among us is made possible. A “chair” is a chair. Whomever you ask what a chair is , you will get the same answer. Everybody knows what a chair is and what it is used for. Because the meaning of the word is preordained. The word does not mean one thing to me and another to somebody else. It means the same to all of us.
Dog training is exactly the same thing. A code of communication between two different species. No matter how we spoil them, how we love them and call them our kids and best friends etc. A dog is a dog, a different species with different needs and a different code of communication.
The “simple” things like “sit”, “down”, “come”, “stay” we ask our dogs to do and we get very disappointed when they do not do , since they are very simple things, are completely meaningless to the dog. A foreign language, a code of communication that works for us but is unknown to the dog.
Even though I do not consider myself to be the smartest person alive , I duly certify that I am not stupid. If somebody says to me “ I am very thirsty, bring me a glass of water” in Arabic language, I would look at them and think.. what is it he wants now? Because I simply do not speak Arabic. Without a common code of communication, we will not communicate.
The same happens with the dogs that have not been taught a code of communication. ”Sit” and “down” sounds to them the same way Arabic sounds to me. Zero communication.
The goal of training is not enforcement. I am not trying to enforce my will, I am not trying to subdue the dog, I am not trying to show him who the boss is. ( Good luck to anybody trying to show Solo or any adult male with strong temperament who the boss is!)
The dog as a species, knows what to do to survive and communicate with their kind. Most of them do. I say most of them, because selective breeding and human interference, has made it possible for dogs that would not have survived in nature, to survive and reproduce.
That stands for dogs among dogs in a natural environment. Our dogs however, live in an urban environment, with a family of humans and are called to adapt in a world we -humans- have created based on our – human- needs in an effort to maintain balance and make our life safer and easier.
We do not settle our differences with violence, we use other acceptable ways and when we deviate we face consequences. For a dog, it is normal to settle his differences with violence. For a dog it is also normal to urinate on the couch to mark his territory.
With dog training , like I have said and emphasize, we do not try to impose ourselves upon the dog neither humanize the dog. We love our dogs for what they are. Any attempt of humanization or anthropomorphization is unfair to the dog. Dogs are perfect the way they are.
The only thing we can improve is their behaviour and that is up to us. And that is something we can teach them. We can teach a code of communication and set rules for a harmonious coexistence. We cannot teach dogs what they already know. We cannot teach them selfless love; what we can teach them is how to express their love and joy while we can learn what love means from our dogs.
We – me, you, a trainer- will never teach a dog to sit, stay etc. The dog knows how to sit, stay and all the basic obedience training commands. Anyone who claims that he will train the dog to sit, stay etc. either has no idea what he’s doing or is looking for a way to make his work seem very hard to do and charge more.
The dog knows how to sit, stay and all the basic obedience training commands. If you leave a dog free, long enough, in a safe environment and just watch him without interfering; be present but act as if you’re not there, you will see the “amazing” happen. The dog performs the whole basic obedience training program. He performs the commands “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “ walk casually”, he will lie “down” on a pillow or some other comfortable place, he will “stay” there and when he notices you are around he will “come” to see you ( recall).
Anyone who reads this with disbelief or does not believe their dog knows basic obedience training, just leave your dog for 2-3 hours in an enclosed area with a nice comfortable floor cushion in the shade and one under the sun so the dog can chose from. Within 2-3 hours the dog will have the whole basic obedience program presented. He will perform “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “place”, “walk loose” and when you enter the area he will promptly “come” too.
It is irrational to think that we will teach the dog how to sit or lie down. Is anyone under the impression that a dog does not know how to lower his butt or how to lie down and needs our help to learn?
All we need to do, and this is where dog training becomes of value, is to teach the dog the WORDS for the actions he already knows. We need to teach the dog that when he listens to the word “down” he lies down. And create a connection with something pleasant for the dog, like a treat, a toy or petting.
The goal is to understand what the dog wants and needs. Once understood, they can be used for reward and motivation. A dog with strong motivation will be willing to perform commands, will be willing to do something for you and with you.
For motivation we can use treats – if the dog likes treats- or his toy. Withholding his treat or toy can work as motivation too. Understanding that he is not getting the reward unless he cooperates – only for things the dog knows- can work as a strong motive too.
The aim is to teach the dog a code of communication; we want the dog to understand and be willing to work together. Through proper training you obtain a good relationship with your dog; living together becomes easier, more relaxed without unpleasant surprises and unexpected trouble. What is more important, through proper training you give your dog the chance to fully develop and bring out his character.
Wishing you good training sessions and a harmonious cohabitation with your four-legged friend.
With esteem for the reader and respect for the dog,
The Working Bull Terriers kennel team
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