(this is a blog out of the archives but I thought the topic was worth repeating) Yes, I often use similar techniques and training plans for most dogs but I am always willing to adjust them to the dog’s personality. After getting to know thousands of dogs over the years, I can tell you they can be very individual. Look at all the different breeds we have created with different purposes in mind. Put a Chihuahua next to a Bernese Mountain Dog, just the image is funny isn’t it? I picture the Bernese napping while the Chihuahua erratically tap dances around the room making little yipping sounds. In other words, if you are trying some general advice for all dogs or a certain breed remember to take your dog’s character into consideration and adjust your training. Some dogs are so sensitive about any training failure, getting it wrong, that you can actually see them give up or shut down like they have been unplugged. For those dogs, it is your job to make the dog feel successful so adjust your training, break it down in smaller, easier steps. Reward the less than perfect attempt to keep this type of dog engaged. Some dogs get bored and need lots of variety in training and short sessions mixed with fun things like outings. Huskies often fall under this category but Not Always! Some dogs love loud high pitched praise and some may think any loud voice is punishment. Spend some time really watching your dog. Does she recover quickly from surprises or does the effect of something unpleasant, like the books on a shelf that were accidentally nudged into tumbling loudly to the floor make your dog avoid that room for a month. Does she lose interest after a few repetitions of the same sit direction or could she do it all day like it was her mission in life. Sit back watch your dog and adjust your training to your dog ’s nature.I trained and exercised two dogs at the same time, three times a week for a year. One was a retriever and loved to learn and work, the other was older and a large breed and didn’t love to work, she was older and loved to nap. The older one was also very upset if I or anyone around her moved around too much or was animated or you know, breathed. I worked out the retriever, teaching her countless things and I swear she lived for training!!! I asked little of the older dog just my priorities to come when called and stay when someone came into yard. I also rewarded the older dog after I moved around with the Retriever with a tasty treat and when someone came into the yard. The larger dog’s anxiety and behavior improved a great deal over time and she seemed much more relaxed and she would even come over to volunteer a few tricks and with her housemate so in the end she learned too. It would have been a mistake to approach these very different dogs the exact same way. They were different and I respected that and enjoyed them both.
