You cannot apply the same rigid training techniques to every dog. Each dog has different levels of ability, mental function and physicality. These differences can result from genetics, environment, nutrition and early handling. Some dogs are super-sensitive to touch. If you touch a sensitive dog too enthusiastically as a reward for doing something correctly, it may interfere with its ability to concentrate on the training and make it difficult for him to remain calm enough to continue. A dog that is concentrating on its work will look at you and look where it is going while moving. On walks during training, do not allow the dog to sniff the ground. Using his nose to satisfy his own curiosity indicates that his attention is no longer on you or the task at hand. Always keep tuned in to the dog to be aware of his mental state. Keep him focused and calm and stop to gather him up if he becomes scattered.
Sometimes a good sensitivity can be destroyed by the bad trainer. If you give niggling little jerks as corrections, the dog will soon ignore you. Give a chain collar correction strong enough to get a result and then reward the dog. What is hard to get at first is the idea that you are not wondering whether the dog might think about changing its behaviour. You are the trainer who reads the dog and assists the dog to go into a calm state from which the new behaviour is taught to the dog by repetition and reward. The impetus comes from you in such a clear and effective manner that the dog will change its behaviour. When dogs are niggled and no longer pay attention to the owner, the relationship erodes and all areas of the dog-trainer dynamic will suffer.
When using the voice as an aid to training, keep the words to a minimum. Give the command once and if you need to correct, give a neck chain correction in silence. The level of correction relates to the level of distraction. Loud voice commands can also upset a sensitive dog. Modulate the voice to suit the level of distraction. The goal is not to effectively communicate your displeasure; the goal is to remind the dog to give up his distraction, come back to a calm state and pay attention to you.
Some breeds with herding or guarding genes can be suspicious of (sensitive to) strangers or new things. These dogs need varied socialization and training support to show them that you are in control and they must defer to you in all situations. Many dogs are sensitive to human tension. Homes where there are loud arguments can incite high levels of anxiety in the family dog. Taking the dog for a walk in a huff after an argument at home will be a different experience from a walk with a dog whose owner is calm and has instilled a feeling of wellbeing in her dog. Turn the dog into your favourite book; read him every day.
Ravinn O. West is kennelmaster and trainer at Ravendale Kennel and Training Centre at Cochrane, Alberta. Her latest book, The Tao of Dogs is available from www.ravinnwest.com You may send questions or comments to her via [email protected]
