Obedience Dog Training:
A lifetime gift for your dog
By Jan Hoadley

For more independent minded dogs, obedience dog training means if he ignores your command get a 30 to 40 foot training line with a snap. Some people have used "lunge lines" made for horses, some use field trial lines, while others simply use a light rope with a snap that attaches to the training collar. These can be purchased or you can make one with bulk rope and a hardware snap appropriate to the size of the dog. When you call him if he doesn't listen, call again and pull him to you as quickly as possible - then praise him!

There are a wide variety of leashes available that are four to six feet - use this for training. Remember obedience training is at every interaction - so use this leash for obedience dog training as well as walks. Resist the retractable leash - it is not helpful for effective obedience training. Be firm and dominant but this doesn't mean abusive. Be consistent and use short commands. Heel, sit, down, come. As the dog perfects down teach him to down anywhere. If he forges ahead of you quickly turn around and go the other way, catching him off guard. This might be done several times if a dog is insisting on pulling, a bad habit best prevented.

Remember to give clear consistent signals. Conflict confuses. An example of this is telling the dog "lay down" - "DOWN" is more effective and, properly taught, means one thing. When you find the dog on the sofa, say "down" and you're upset when he dutifully does...he's confused because he did what commanded. Instead, use "OFF" to command moving off furniture. Another common human error is when the dog is misbehaving, you call him and he comes running - and instead of "good boy!" for coming he's greeted with "BAD DOG". The dog is confused - you punished him for the obedience that pleased you before!

Don't underestimate the value of obedience training for your dog. Exercise, boundaries and attention makes for a happy, healthy, obedient pet who is a joy to have.

Many people find a video course helpful to clarify a training plan. Obedience dog training isn't difficult...but is critical. It is literally a life-long gift to your dog and the best use of time being with him.