Dog training tips: an expert opinion

It’s officially the Season of Pet Happiness here at Trusted HQ  - so just a normal day for us - naturally!

To celebrate all things wagging tails and contented sofa snuggles, we’re here with dog training tips from Rob Kuty - certified master dog trainer, President of San Diego Pet Training and Director of Animal Training at Helen Woodward Animal Center (and so much more).

With 23 years of professional dog training under his belt, Rob sure knows a thing or two when it comes to tips for dog training. And for that reason, we couldn’t think of a better person to share their thoughts on how pet parents should approach dog training before welcoming a pet sitter. 

So without any further ado, let’s get into Rob’s top dog training tips.

What is counterintuitive dog training?

A commonly Googled phrase is “positive reinforcement dog training.” Due to its popularity and countless articles written on this, I want to discuss a hidden gem that I uncovered in my years of experience which is counterintuitive dog training. 

Let me start by defining what this is. Counterintuitive is “contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation.” 

When it comes to dog training, essentially whatever your human instinct calls you to do, in most cases the better approach or response is the opposite! 

Let’s explore a few different scenarios with this training philosophy in mind to help you turn unwanted behaviors into desired behaviors.

Dog training tips for walking: Keeping a walk a walk

One of the most common concerns I hear from pet parents is about walking. “I can’t walk my dog… My dog is reactive on a leash. My dog pulls me, please help!” 

A big component to this unwanted behavior is due to the average person’s instinct to make a walk a party. Below, explore my thoughts on why pet owners need to keep things simple when it comes to walking their dogs.

Dogs are masters of association

To develop calm behavior on a walk, you have to keep in mind that dogs are masters of association, creatures of habit and they have an amazing memory. 

Therefore, a walk is the one place I would do my best to keep sacred. In other words, simply keep a walk a walk. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Why, you ask? Because a walk is hands down the most distracting environment you will place your dog in - from smells to sounds, other animals, bikes, skateboards - they’re all calling your dog away from you. 

In a lot of instances during a walk, not only do we let these distractions come too close to our pets, but we consciously or unconsciously draw direct attention to these distractions, and it’s important that we don’t. 

Keep socializing separate from walking

Now needless to say, I would never take socializing away from a dog. They are pack animals and enjoy the company of people and animals. 

But because they are masters of associations, I do not want to create confusion by mixing interactive time with walk time. 

Create space from distractions on a walk by crossing the road or changing directions when needed. The only exception is if you wish to pack walk. 

In this instance, you would immediately meet up with another person and their dog. You would be moving in the same direction, keeping everyone’s energy moving in the same direction as opposed to stopping to greet an animal or person along the opposite way and creating excitement, drawing your dog away from you.

A leash is a communication tool

Another great example of counterintuitive thinking is to be aware of your leash tension on a walk. A leash is not an accessory but an important communication tool. 

The average person when walking a strong, reactive dog either holds on tight as the dog pulls them or the handler themselves creates constant tension on the leash to force the dog to walk next to them. 
Constant tension communicates to your dog that something potentially is wrong and to be alert. When you keep moving, give your dog some slack and don’t draw attention to the distraction - you will be training your dog to become desensitized to these distractions over time with repetition.

Reinforcing fear

Without meaning to, pet parents can reinforce fear in their dog, creating unwanted behaviors. Explore my thoughts on dog training tips around this.

Ignore fear, praise confidence

Any time your dog displays fear or apprehension toward something you know will not hurt them, it is important to emotionally ignore them. 

I would be aware of their actions, especially so they do not hurt themselves. But in order for dogs to master a behavior, you have to place them in a safe scenario where they can face their fear and have time to find themselves. 

When you see a ‘window’ to where your dog displays confidence, praise them! We typically take confidence for granted, but when a dog shows fear, we are typically comforting them and talking to them, reinforcing the wrong emotion. 

For example, you bring balloons into your home and your dog looks at them like it is an invasion and starts barking uncontrollably. Give your furry friend time to realize all the anxious, pent up energy it is releasing is for nothing. 

Remember dogs will never do something for nothing. Every dog is different in different scenarios, so some may keep the bark up longer than others. At some point the dog is going to recognize the balloons, the pet parent, no one in the vicinity is giving a reaction. 

Therefore, when the dog finally settles down, walks away and ignores the balloons, THIS is when you would acknowledge your dog for reversing course.

Canine anxiety: how it’s created, how to avoid it

Dog anxiety is one of the biggest causes of unwanted behavior, and can make normal life difficult for pet owners. Below, explore my thoughts on canine anxiety, and my dog training tips around it.

Accidentally creating anxiety within your dog

When a person has been away from their dog, especially if it’s been for hours, the human tends to feel bad and wants to make up the lost time. 

They immediately shower their dog with an excited voice, touch and treats as they enter back into their dog’s life. This communicates a drastic difference between being with you and being without you. 

It gives your dog the ability to realize being with you is so intense and exciting and being without you is the total opposite: boring, quiet and lonely. 

In time, your dog will start to feel anxious because they will associate when you pick up your keys, put on your shoes or grab your coffee the next step is that you are leaving.

Dog anxiety and independence

People also think that because they leave their dog home alone while they work or are running errands that their dog has independence. However true independence is the opposite. It’s your dog’s ability to be physically apart from you when you are present. 

Tips for creating independence and curbing anxiety:

Small actions like these in your daily routine build independence and help prevent anxiety…

• When you walk into your office to send an email, close the door behind you. 
• If you go upstairs, use a gate to keep your dog downstairs. 
• If you have a yard, put your dog outside and close the door to give them time on their own even though they can still see or hear you. 
• No matter how long or how short of time you are away from your dog, always ease into them and ease out of them. 
• Always make your entrances and exits in and out of your dog’s life a non-event. 
• By following these dog training tips, your dog will learn that there is no big difference to being with you and being without you. Create harmony for years to come whether you are together or you need to be apart.

A happy dog is created through routine

Remember when it comes to training, treats can be fun and useful to jumpstart obedience commands, tricks and acknowledging breakthroughs. 

But dogs learn the most from what is unspoken in our daily routines. Dogs thrive on consistency and structure. 

When it comes to rewarding your dog, don’t underestimate the power of your touch and your verbal praise. Make sure your entire family is on the same page with boundaries and structure. 

Since we can’t speak to our dog in complex phrases, this routine is what makes them happy. They can understand what to anticipate on a daily basis and this reduces the extreme emotions that are difficult for owners to manage.

Swat up on dog training

Back to us at TrustedHQ - if you’re in the mood for getting clued-up after Rob’s invaluable dog training tips, explore his advice where he answers our members’ burning questions on all things animal behavior over on our community forum. 

And if you’d like to swat up at home, check out thesepuppy training books that’ll help your new pooch reach the top of the class.