A Dogs Mind
CASTLE ROCK DOG AND PUPPY TRAINER
The most important element in being successful in dog training is a thorough understanding of seeing the
world through their eyes, and most important, remembering that even domesticated dogs will always carry
their natural instincts! The most important element in being successful in dog ownership is love! When you
have understanding, trust and love… you have it all!
Understanding, Trust and Love!
The protection helps to create trust, respect, and loyalty, and the direction means creating the rules,
boundaries, and limitations that define what behavior is acceptable in the members of the pack! When dogs
don’t have this, they lack protection and direction! If they don’t feel protected or lack direction, they can lash
out defensively at other dogs on walks, and become anxious or insecure, even in their own homes!
It is important for you to always be confident and pleasant when providing direction to your dog, your energy reassures them! A pack leader is never hesitant or unsure, nor are they harsh or unstable… this gains the followers trust as they know they will be kept safe!
Dogs are pack animals with a leader and followers, the leaders provide protection and direction to the rest of
the pack!
Your dogs want you to tell them what behavior is expected! When you do, they don’t have to try to figure out
what they are supposed to do and it’s a lot less stressful for them!
It’s essential to understand to only give affection (positive reinforcement) when dogs are in a balanced state! If
you give affection or treats at the wrong time, you’ll train your dog to continue doing whatever it was doing!
This can be incredibly hard because we don’t always know what a dog is thinking, so if we base our technique
solely on treats/rewards, or even what we might think is redirection, we can be encouraging the problem
instead of eliminating it! When a training session is complete, that is the time for reward with treats or a bone!
Even better, a play session or game of fetch with their best friend!
