11/02/2026
Harry was the star pupil in Week One of our Canine Good Citizen class at Dogs By The Dozen. This is big for Harry as he and his owner have worked HARD on his reactivity around other dogs while on the leash.
After reviewing class administration, the CGC test, and responsible ownership, we introduced marker words—YES, GOOD, and NOPE—and began working on sit, down, and duration.
We also explored how our body language helps our dogs understand a behavior before we attach a verbal cue. Here, Harry is learning to follow his owner’s physical guidance as they begin connecting it to a word.
In training, we can teach different forms of communication: lures, body language, leash pressure, verbal cues, and, when appropriate, e-collar cues. Each needs to be taught so it has meaning.
When connecting a new cue to a familiar one, the language the dog knows least comes first. For Harry, that means saying the new verbal cue, then following with the physical guidance he already understands. With practice, we gradually fade that help as the word gains meaning.
Clear communication starts with teaching understanding. Remember, with these posts it's showing the process, and the feedback and clarity with things the owner may of missed will be given in real time.
