07/07/2026
Great advice on training your dog whether it is a puppy or an adult dog. Train your dog everyday make the time!
The Connection… that’s what it’s about. Not winning or losing, because at the end of the day… I’m winning because of the connection with my dog.
Quiet the noise, get back to the real reason you’re training your dog… connection. Don’t beat yourself up in the relentless pursuit of perfection. Make the process the bigger picture and it will all be perfect.
True perfection doesn’t exist. And that is a huge training flaw. Your dog doesn’t know what’s perfect, so don’t crush his spirit. Strive to build on the accomplishments with abundant rewards and encouragement. Keep your training short, positive and successful.
We all get frustrated in training. Perfection is built on hurdles and failures. If you’re frustrated try to not show your dog. Make him feel like a winner. Corrections should help the dog grow, not stifle the spirit.
Correct to perfect. Be your dog’s cheerleader and coach - not their critic.
Measure the tiniest success and celebrate.
Yesterday Schmoo and I were practicing our send away. We did about 4-5 when I decided to back it way up, break it down to the basic and give it one more try. He did it! We threw a party! This picture was taken right after. It was our celebration.
Today we went back and did it again. Guess what? Success the first time. You know why? Because I ended on success and that’s where he picked it up from. I didn’t drill it into him until he couldn’t go anymore.
Celebrate success and take a break. Come back fresh.
Frustration clouds the mind. This is one of the very best training tips I can share with you. Something that 20+ years has taught me.
I’ve trained dogs of almost every shape, size, breed and temperament. I’ve titled competitive sport dogs and worked with dogs at shelters that others have given up on. All dogs respond to connection. They are genetically imprinted for a connection with us. That is a great responsibility …for us to be fair.
Ask yourself this question:
Would you enjoy training with you at the other end of the leash?
Photo Janet Caroline Brown
