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Human Ego & Dog Training

By: Amy Sandmann

Check your ego at the door!  EGO, this funny little word has such a huge affect on people, it changes people for the worse.

When working with animals you cannot have an “ego” of any kind.  Animals know, they can feel the kind of love and energy your putting off and when ego gets involved nothing will go right.  Why you ask?  Because ego is all about self and teaching and guiding your dog is about the dog not you.

Positive Reinforcement training is training that is respectful and is based in science and best of all is kind, the lines of communication stay open and loving, this is how we all learn the best.

Stop and think about it, how great would you be at your job if someone was always yelling and telling you” NO, NO that is not how you do it how can you be so stupid” but they never stopped and took the time to show you what they wanted. My guess is you would quit that job and probably have a few choice words for your boss.  Just because you’re a human and you think differently than your dog, does not give you the right to DOMINATE, or INTIMIDATE or BULLY your pet into doing what you want. This includes prong collars, choke collars, shocking devices, hitting and verbally abusing.  When knowledge ends aversive techniques begin.  This world wants everything NOW and given the technology we have everything is at a touch of a button and happens fast!!  We are used to getting what we want when we want it.  We must remember dogs are gifts, they feel, they love, and they hurt just like we do.

SLOW DOWN PEOPLE!  If you are blessed enough to live with animals as I am we need to realize that dogs and humans alike thrive on love and kindness and consistency.  Don’t get caught in the” EGO trap” instead why don’t you pause for a moment, look at your dog and actually try and figure out WHY the behavior is happening in the first place. There is always a reason for everything a dog does you just may not understand their language and it frustrates you.    It means you have to take your EGO out of it and really try to understand you pet.  Read about dog behavior call a professional force free trainer to help you get on the right track.

Our dogs our the most wonderful loving creatures who shower us with unconditional love each day and I feel its only fair we give them more of our time. They cannot be an after thought they cannot be last on the list of things in the family order.  Be grateful for your pets and show them that you are grateful by spending time with them and educating yourself about their world and what makes them who they are.

Involve the entire family in continuing your education about your canine family member and read about what makes a dog tick.  Remember, when communicating with your dog speak with your heart, be a kind, be educated and the learning will astound you.

Amy Sandmann  vspdt

 

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