I spent the money to send him to a proper board and train, and it was life changing. Our relationship is better. He is happier and less stressed. I was able to take him off sedatives. Plus it's cool to have a dog with perfect recall that I can take anywhere without worrying.
If you can afford it, I can't recommend finding a reputable balanced trainer more highly.
I feel like this would only be half a solution. That, to work as a pair, you would need some amount of training as well. To better understand your dog's signals to you and know how to respond appropriately.
I think the big difference is in three parts.
First, they are doing the training all day. I simply don't have the time.
Second, the balanced training methodology adds consequences as well as rewards. This is a far more effective methodology. It is what people use to train working K9s like attack dogs and the like.
The last part is mindset. I have a working dog, granted it is a Corgi, and he wants to be working. Instead of making him "be good," I am giving him jobs throughout the day that reward him.
> That, to work as a pair, you would need some amount of training as well.
You would be correct. I got pretty significant training the day I took him home (about 3 hours). After that, we had a few follow hour-long ups. There they show you the commands and behaviors the dog learned, how to interpret there body language, and how to extend them at home.
Also, what kind of jobs do you give to him?
This inspired me to find a similar place near me. I went to a place in Northern Ohio called Boss K9[2].
> Also, what kind of jobs do you give to him?
We try and make everything a job. Our training sessions, even place time. Sitting still for a reward is actually really hard for a dog, even tiring. So we make that time rewarded as well.
This leads to a more structured life for him, which is good.
If you are interested in this sort of training, I would contact Boss k9. The owner will help you find what to look for.
- [1] https://www.facebook.com/haleyhowessoundhounds/ (sorry, but it only looks like they have facebook?)
But if you explain I’d be happy to give my thoughts.
I don't want to pay a lot of money for dog training if the training consists of telling me how to train the dog - and then it doesn't work. I want a professional to train the dog.
So they do train you some, and you are expected to keep up with the training. But that’s just to make sure you are following the system of things they taught the dog. In my case, the dog came home with the following skills.
Place training. I can say “bed” and he’ll go to place and stay until released. Same follows for “crate.”
Sit and Down. He’ll down till I release him.
When we are walking, “heel” brings him to my left side. Release word and he can run about. He does this on and off a leash. (But you should always use a leash) he also sits when I stop without a command.
He learned much better recall. Comes and downs immediately.
The training that I do is walking him in a “structured walk.” That is making sure he heels and sits when I stop.
I also do a 10 minute session running though all his commands in different areas of my home once a day.
I didn’t train him. They did. I just keep him sharp.
