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The Educated Dog


When you feel frustrated with your dog’s behavior, remember that someone must teach a dog what
is acceptable behavior and what is not. A dog that has not been given any instructions, training or
boundaries can’t possibly know what you expect of him. By teaching your dog how you want him to
behave, you will not only have a saner household, but a healthier and happier dog as well.

An Educated Dog:
• Allows you to handle every part of his body, to check for injury or illness and to give him
medication.
• Has good manners, so he can spend most of his time indoors with his people, which means
more supervision, less boredom and fewer opportunities for mischief. The more time you spend
with your dog, the more likely you will be to notice when something is wrong with him, such as
a limp, a cough, a sensitive area or loss of appetite. By recognizing such irregularities early, you
can seek medical attention immediately and, hopefully, prevent more serious problems.
• Wants to stay near you, listening for instructions (and praise). This means he will have less
opportunity to get into trouble.
• Will walk or run beside you on a leash without pulling, dragging or strangling, so you and your
dog can get more exercise and spend more time together.
• Knows that “drop it” and “leave it alone” are phrases that mean business, so he will have
fewer opportunities to swallow dangerous objects. He also can be taught what things and
places are out of bounds, like hot stoves, heaters or anxious cats. However, you will still need to
limit his access to dangerous places when you cannot supervise or instruct him.
• Will “sit” immediately, simply because you say so. No matter what danger may be imminent, a
dog that is suddenly still is suddenly safe. And a dog that will “stay” in that position is even
safer.
• Understands his boundaries, knows what’s expected of him and has few anxieties. Less stress
means a healthier dog.
By training your dog, you can help prevent tragedy and develop a better relationship with him. Keep
in mind, however, that even an educated dog needs supervision, instruction and boundaries –
sometimes even physical boundaries. Allowing your dog, no matter how educated he may be, to
walk, run or roam outside of a fenced area or off of a leash, is putting him in danger.
Selecting a Class
The Dumb Friends League offers adult dog and puppy training classes several times a week
throughout the year. Our behavior helpline is also available for assistance with dog behavior
problems. Call 303.696.4941, then dial 1420.
If you can’t attend any of our classes, check the Yellow Pages under “pet training” or “dog training.”
Your local park or recreation department may also offer classes in your neighborhood.
Here are some tips to help you select an obedience class that’s right for you:
• Quality obedience instructors are knowledgeable about many different types of training
methods and use techniques that neither the dogs nor their owners find consistently
unpleasant.
• Good training methods focus primarily on reinforcing good behavior and use correction
sparingly, appropriately and humanely. Excessive use of choke chains or pinch collars or using
collars to lift dogs off of the ground (“stringing them up”) are not appropriate or humane
training methods.
• Quality obedience instructors communicate well with people and with dogs. Remember that
they are instructing you about how to train your dog.
• Specific problems you may have with your dog may not be addressed in a basic obedience
course. If you’re seeking help with housesoiling, barking, aggression or separation anxiety, ask if
the course covers these issues – do not assume it will.
• Ask the instructor what training methods are used and how they (the instructor and staff) were
trained. Also, ask to observe a class before you commit to one. If you’re refused an
observation, or if your observation results in anything that makes you uncomfortable, look
elsewhere.
• Avoid anyone who guarantees his or her work; whose primary methods focus on punishment;
or who wants to take your dog and train him for you (effective training must include you and
the environment in which you and your dog interact).

Dog Behavior Problem Training:
Dog behavior problem training encompasses every aspect of canine education, from the species specific responses that's inherent to canines, to learning theory and operant conditioning, to traditional training methods. When these training techniques are properly implemented, most people notice results immediately. A well mannered pet is now within your reach, all you need to do is optimally structure your pet's environment.

A dog behavior problem can often be directed and controlled by training.  Dog behavior can be thought of as responses that are specific to their species. These responses are controlled and directed by manipulating the social and the environmental variables. We call this training. Training can increase responses that are desirable, just as those that are undesirable can be decreased.

Your dog behavior problem is often a direct result of the animal's inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. The purpose of training is to raise the pet's stress threshold so your pet can tolerate higher levels of stress.

A human and dog behavior problem should not be confused with each other.    The response patterns and intellect of a canine is very different from that of humans, although we do share some common traits. One of these traits is the drive to form close social groups with strong bonds to significant others. This bonding can be thought of as a kind of love. Even though this type of bonding is a natural trait in both canines and humans, we must avoid endearing our pets with human emotions.  Learning to differentiate and respect a dog’s different needs from our own human needs, is the first step in conquering a dog behavior problem.