Dog Training and Voice & Sight Control Tips

Training a dog is about building a solid relationship between guardian and dog. This can be accomplished using communication techniques that guide and shape behavior. With training, practice, and consistent communication techniques, the dog-human relationship can develop where a leash may not be always necessary to manage dog behaviors. Having a trainer to help guide this relationship building process can speed things up and help ensure the best results.

Finding a good trainer is a very personal thing, because trainers will essentially be teaching you how to teach and communicate with your dog. You will find trainers who are committed to certain types of training. This can result in very different training techniques. Make sure you are aligned with a trainer that teaches the types of techniques you believe are best for your relationship with your dog. Look for a trainer who has a lot of experience, and one who feels like a good fit for both you and your dog.

A good trainer can work with a variety of people and dogs, will give you honest feedback about your chance of meeting your goals, and will use a range of methods and tools to help you achieve those goals. You will find trainers who are committed to certain types of training techniques, and trainers who are committed to a result regardless of the means of getting there. It will be your job to sort through and find what feels best for you. Not every trainer is meant for every person or dog. If the first person doesn't work out, try again! Also, not every dog is a good candidate for off-leash hiking. Be sure you find a trainer who may understand behavior or training limits related to your dog.

If you're looking for referrals, start with neighbors or friends whose dogs are really well-behaved, and ask if they had any help. Ask a person on the trail that has a well-behaved dog. Your veterinarian may also have suggestions.

Remember, the dog trainer is only part of the equation. Successful dog training really depends on the dedication of the dog guardian. Training requires consistent practice throughout the life of the dog. It is an ongoing partnership. Dogs are not robots. They do not learn things once and then remember them forever. The efforts you put towards training your dog will be worth it!

The following questions may help you find a trainer who is a good match:

• How long have you been training dogs?
• How many dogs have your worked with successfully?
• What is your philosophy towards training dogs?
• What training methods and tools do you use?
• Do you offer classes or private lessons?
• What are the limitations that you see my dog possibly having based on the breed and temperament?
• How long do you expect it to take to reach my goals for my dog?
• Have you been able to get dogs with histories of wildlife chasing to recall reliably off of wildlife? How?
• What kinds of dogs have you personally owned? Do you hike off leash with them? Can you recall them in any situation?
• When your clients are not able to get their dogs to obey reliably off leash, why is that?

• Stay alert and attentive to where your dog is and what they are doing at all times. Keeping your dog close and in front of you will help you control him/her immediately if needed.
• Consider your line of sight (like when driving a car): how far ahead can you see the open trail? Keep your dog closer on trails with limited sight lines and when conditions create poor visibility.
• Be proactive by maintaining a manageable distance between you and others. This can give you more time to react when facing a possible conflict with other dogs and recreationists.
• If you see another person with their dog on a leash, leash your dog or keep your dog close to you with voice commands. There is a reason why they have their dog on leash.
• Read your dog’s intentions. Learn their body language such as signs of unease, stress, fear, or signs of predatory interest.
• Know when your dog is stressed, excited or in distress by having basic awareness of body signals and fearful behaviors. These can differ from dog to dog. A tail wagging is not always positive and hackles rising (when the hair raises up on the ridge of a dog’s back) is not always negative.
• Be aware of the environment and your dog’s reactions to it. Are the prairie dogs more active today? Are there many other dogs? Is it so windy your voice will be carried in a direction AWAY from your dog? Are there other dog guardians who seem distracted and unable to control their own dogs?
• In a calm environment with no stimulus factors like other dogs or people, play a call-back game rewarding your dog when they return. After your dog consistently returns, practice the call back game in a stimulating environment where there are other people and dogs around. This can support your dog to be successful under voice and sight control in the most stimulating environments where there are hikers, bikers, dogs, and wildlife.

If you have any doubt that your dog can not meet the voice and sight control standards, play it safe and use a leash. Consider working with a trainer. We highly recommend working with a trainer because it will greatly enhance your relationship with your dog which means both you and your dog will be happier and will have a better time together.