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Dogs gone wild: trainer tips
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Dogs will be dogs. Rufus, my red smooth miniature dachshund, is a badger hunter according to his rich heritage, and a passive owner could easily dismiss his squirrel lunacy as just part of his innate character and breeding.
Renowned Hollywood trainer and CO-owner of Urban Pets, Zack Grey, reminds us everything has to do with prey drive and an animal cannot be 100 percent trained out of its instinctual behavior. However, that does not mean we cannot manage our dog’s behavior.
“It's about setting rules and boundaries within the home and on the walks to establish leadership. Their focus needs to be on us,” says Jamie Bowers, Vice President and CO-founder of Thank Dog Bootcamp. “As responsible dog owners, we are the ones that say what, when, where, why, and how. Not the other way around. The dog should never be the one calling the shots.”
When I’m walking Rufus and a squirrel crosses our path and he begins to go crazy by pulling on the leash and choking himself, it’s up to me to gain control of the situation. I need to do a quick correction with two short tugs of the leash, put him in a sit and focus. Karena Martin, CO-owner of the Urban Pets and dog behaviorist, tells me I need to consistently be able to get Rufus’ focus in those challenging moments.
Rufus is a graduate of Urban Pets’ basic level 1 training, which empowered me with the knowledge and tools to keep Rufus’ focus. I completely recommend all dog owners undergo some training with their dog and more importantly implement what you’ve learned in your daily routine and interactions with your dog.
One of the great commands Grey taught us was “OFF!” The command and word needs to be used sparingly because according to Grey our dogs are desensitized to the word “No.” He jokingly says most dogs probably think their names are “no” because of the frequency and out-of-context owners use it.
“Exercise and training are key in preventing unwanted behavior,” says Bowers. “The combination keeps them both physically and mentally active, which are both tremendously important in making sure your dog is well-balanced. It also communicates who the leader is, ensuring a healthy and loving relationship between you and your dog, while keeping a peaceful home environment.”
If I had been a little more diligent on our walks with Rufus and more steadfast with my practice with the “off” command, perhaps Rufus would have been more responsive Saturday night when he and that mouse were having their brawl in the bushes.
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