Commands in Daily Life - Training Challenges

Read more about Training Challenges here.

Over the past several months I have been posting regular articles on "training challenges". This series began to help owners understand the correlation between training levels and overall behavior. Dogs that understand the concept of commands are typically more respectful and bonded to their owners - which results in calmer, more confident, and better behaved companions.

If you've been following this series over the past months, much of the focus to date has been outlining differences in achievement levels. While not every dog will be capable of achieving the top levels of performance noted, the old adage "practice makes perfect" does go a long way when training. In reality, my own dogs make mistakes every day - they're not perfect. But we continue to practice together each day, and the more we practice the better we work together. So how do I use training?

On daily walks my dogs have earned the privilege to go out without leashes. While out, we practice various commands (heel, sit, down, come), but we also have some time for roaming, sniffing, etc. We live in a typical suburban neighborhood. If another dog approaches, I use a command to keep them close and focused on me - other dogs are not a 'green light' to play without permission. If a squirrel or rabbit shoots by us I might authorize a chase, but it's quickly followed with a recall (come), at which point the chase ends and we continue on our walk together.

When the UPS man arrives at the door my dogs bark. I let them know I appreciate their alert, then have then come away from the door (come) and lay down (down) while I tend to the visitor. If family is visiting, we usually go outdoors (again without leashes) to greet everyone - including any visiting dogs. My dogs understand they have to stay in our yard and not jump on any of the arriving guests (manners).

If a visitor with mobility issues arrives, the dogs are sent to their mats (placemat) out of the way. Once everyone is in and situated, they are released from that command and can come over to say "hi". If the visitor is a repair or service person that doesn't need two inquisitive noses poking around, the dogs stay on their mats (placemat) until that person leaves. In some cases this may be a good length of time.

We have a fence line about 4' from a sidewalk and my dogs bark when someone is in our yard. They understand that if I give them a command (come / quiet), the barking stops and they now have something they need to do for me. When I'm out doing yard work or washing cars, my dogs participate by coming out in the yard with me and working too. They work in a "down" or "placemat" command while I work in the yard. If I'm mowing grass, I'll often be out of their site a good part of the time - they understand they need to stay put until I'm done.

Using commands regularly can be a great way to work with any dog, to give him/her things to do for you / with you, and create mental challenges through the day vs leaving those days void of structure. Obedience allows you to guide behaviors, and help your dog earn those privileges that let it become more a part of your daily life.

In the last installment of this series we'll discuss various training methods, and why owners should be sure they're comparing apples with apples.