Dog Training
A Dog's Nature
By Jan Hoadley

The understanding of the natural behavior of dogs, and of the breeds within, is vitally important to a happy, healthy pet that will happily adapt to many situations. They don't connect cause and effect as we do. It is up to us as owners to train them, embrace their natural behavior and shape it to our situation. Dogs are eager to please the pack leader. Their communication is different - often physical, such as spontaneous dog hugs (leaning into a leg), paw offering and a head laid on the lap are just a few of the rewards.

Natural dog behavior is different from ours. For dogs to fit into our world takes an important understanding of their world, the ability of us to communicate to the dog what we want in a way that makes sense to them, and the willingness to persist until the dog does as we wish. This varies from basics such as housebreaking to complex tasks such as leading the blind or searching for a stranger. They do these amazing things to please us. A good reward is a game of ball or playing with the dog - this satisfies his need for exercise, rewards him on *his* level with interaction with us.

It's also important to understand that positive training is not work to a dog! He gets your undivided attention and you're "speaking his language". Keeping the training positive and with a play reward keeps the dog eager to please. Exercise and play is a natural behavior the dog needs. Finding the stranger is something not high on the dog's list of priorities - however he learns that finding that stranger means he gets to PLAY! While not all dogs are law enforcement or search dogs, every dog can learn from the same principles. Good behavior in the home means he gets to play! Sitting when you ask and molding his behavior to your boundaries means he gets to play! For that he's ecstatic and eager to please.

Watch videos, read up on dog behavior and gain a better understanding of natural dog behavior. It makes it easier on the dog, easier on you and a much more rewarding partnership for both! Look for toys to satisfy those natural behaviors as much as possible within your world. A great dog can result from the effort!