We get busy. We get tired. We get frustrated. Suddenly summer is gone and we haven’t quite hit our goals. The dog still doesn’t listen, still doesn’t behave, and he’s only getting stronger.
What to do?
(Continued suffering is not the right answer, even if that currently seems to be the only possible answer.)
How to Rehabilitate Your Dog
I’m generally a fan of small incremental changes. Starting with small victories and then building on success can lead to amazing results. Training is a process, no matter what approach you take.
But:
If you’ve tried the small gradual changes, and still aren’t where you want to be, it may be time for something more drastic. A shift in mindset for both you and the dog.
Sometimes we need a fresh start.
We need to pull out the calendar, circle a day, and insist that changes will be made. New Year’s is an easy choice for this type of resolution, but the start of fall can work just as well. In fact, it may be even better — there’s less competition from other resolutions. We all have limited mental bandwidth.
Teaching Dogs New Rules
New rules can lead to a new, more-enjoyable dog. One reason doggie bootcamps are so effective is that they provide this fresh start, but for most dogs you can also achieve this same effect without sending the dog away. Structure can be added to any environment. Change will come, but only if you insist on it. The dog is always ready, if the person is willing to lead decisively.
Fresno Dog Training Fresh Starts
If you need help creating this fresh start, we’re here for you, just send us a note and let’s see how we can help.
Nate Hess is the owner of Dogspring Training, which provides dog training and behavior consultation services in Fresno, Clovis, Madera and select surrounding areas. He is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and Stanford University, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC), and an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. He also consults with dog rescues across the country.