The Positive Pup

Dogs do what works.

Every minute of every day, your dog is sorting out how to get what they want.

Most puppies learn that when they’re calm and quiet, lying in their own bed, chewing their own toys, minding their business, or in other words, being “good”, not much happens.So, when they want our attention, they try other things, like barking, whining, stealing “forbidden” items, nipping, jumping, tap dancing on your head or any number of shenanigans!

Don’t wait for your pup to start trouble and then try to stop them, catch them being “good” instead!

You catch Fido relaxing in his doggy bed? Great! tell him what a brilliant pup he is and calmly set a treat in front of him. He chooses to bring you a toy? Wonderful! Praise him and give him a treat, or engage him in a game of fetch, tug or chase!

In my early days as a trainer, we spent a lot of time talking about “showing dogs who’s boss”, and “putting them in their place”, but the thing is, we control access to every single thing our dogs want or need in order to survive: food, water, access to the outdoors, access to the indoors, walks, play time, belly rubs, greeting other dogs and humans, you name it. You get to choose what your pup needs to do in order to earn access to those things. In other words, you get to choose what works!

Happy Training!