It's Not the Dogs, It's the People: A Dog Trainer's Guide to Training Humans

Dogs are loyal companions that bring immense joy to our lives. They offer unconditional love, provide comfort, and sometimes even act as therapy animals. However, when it comes to dog behavior, many owners tend to blame the dogs rather than examining their own actions. The truth is, it's not always the dogs that need training; often, it's the humans who need guidance.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of dog training, the impact of human behavior on canine behavior, and provide useful tips for dog trainers to effectively train both dogs and their owners.

Understanding the Human-Canine Connection

Before jumping into training techniques, it's crucial to comprehend the unique bond between humans and dogs. Dogs are social animals that thrive on human interaction and seek guidance from their leaders. Just like humans, they need clear communication and consistent rules to feel safe and secure.

It's Not the Dogs, It's the People! A Dog Trainer's Guide to Training Humans

by Nicole Wilde (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1211 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	107 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Unfortunately, many dog owners unintentionally reinforce undesirable behaviors due to a lack of knowledge or inconsistency in their approach. This can confuse the dog and lead to further behavioral issues. As a dog trainer, your role is not only to train the dog but also to educate the owners about their responsibility in shaping their dog's behavior.

The Role of Dog Training

Dog training is essential for a variety of reasons. Not only does it strengthen the bond between humans and their furry friends, but it also fosters a harmonious coexistence. Proper training helps prevent behavioral problems, enhances communication, and ensures the dog's safety and well-being.

But what about training the humans? Oftentimes, the issues with a dog's behavior stem from inconsistent or incorrect training techniques used by their owners. These techniques can inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to address the human aspect of dog training to ensure long-term success.

Tips for Training Humans

1. Effective Communication: Teach dog owners how to use consistent verbal cues and body language to convey their expectations to their pets. This will help establish clear communication between the human and the dog, leading to better understanding and cooperation.

2. Positive Reinforcement: Emphasize the power of positive reinforcement in dog training. Guide owners to reward their dogs with treats, praise, and affection for desired behaviors. This approach motivates dogs to perform these behaviors more frequently.

3. Setting Realistic Expectations: Help dog owners understand that training takes time and patience. Encourage them to set achievable goals, acknowledging that dogs have different learning speeds. Remind them that consistency and perseverance are key.

4. Lead by Example: Dog owners often mirror their dogs' behavior. Encourage owners to exhibit calm and assertive energy to foster a balanced and disciplined environment. Dogs look up to their owners as role models, so leading by example is crucial.

5. Ongoing Support: Offer continued support and guidance to dog owners as they progress in their training journey. Provide resources, such as online forums or recommended reading materials, to enhance their knowledge and keep them motivated.

By shifting the focus from blaming dogs to educating dog owners, we empower both humans and canines to build a strong foundation of trust and respect. Recognizing that it's not always the dogs that need training is the first step towards creating a harmonious and balanced relationship with our furry friends. As a dog trainer, your guidance can transform misbehaving dogs into well-mannered companions and help humans become responsible pet owners.

Remember, it's not the dogs; it's the people.

It's Not the Dogs, It's the People! A Dog Trainer's Guide to Training Humans

by Nicole Wilde (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1211 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	107 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Training dogs is often simple and straightforward, but sometimes training their owners is a bit more of a challenge. In this book on "people-training for dog trianers," Nicole Wilde shares advice based on years of experience as a professional dog trainer. She teaches the reader the basics of "people training," how to coach clients using positive reinforcement and other techniques. In an often humorous section, Wilde describes specific types of difficult personality types, from Angry Agnes to Unmotivated Mo, and how specifically to deal with them. Also covered are handling students in a group class setting, working one on one in private lessons, and understanding and working with family dynamics. An invaluable resource for any dog trainer.