Typist: Brychwyn I know I am not supposed to lunge, bark, growl or snap at other dogs when I am on my leash. But when I forget, I don't need to be corrected. It's not like the world has ended! I simply had a momentary lapse in judgement. Sometimes even a super intelligent corgi can be forgetful. Wilhelm, Huxley and I have fun together but the three of us are also very different. I can tell Bethany works hard to get to know each of us for who we are and treats us as unique individuals. In fact, I like it when every canine and human we encounter pays attention to me for my special personality. And if they don't, I bark and lunge and jump... Oops! There I go forgetting again. Fortunately, Bethany praises me and cheers for me every time I remember not to react so I am getting better at the individualism Bethany expects of me. | Typist: Bethany It's obvious that each of our dogs is an individual with a unique personality. Yet it isn't as obvious that we need to tailor our training techniques to fit every dogs distinct temperament, especially when that dog is reactive. Many dogs issues are made worse by using the wrong training technique for the particular personality of that dog. I know. I did it with Brychwyn. Dogs individual issues cannot be dealt with using a one-size-fits-all training technique. Nothing is black and white, especially when it comes to dog training. If you mold your training technique to fit what will aid your dog in dealing with their issues, you and your dog will reap the rewards. When what you're doing isn't working or your dog is getting worse,find another way to train. There are so, so many training philosophies and techniques out there! You should interview different trainers, observe assorted trainers in action, collect a mix of dog training books, research new techniques, read dog training studies and watch a variety of YouTube videos and DVD's. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to find the combinations of training techniques that will improve your dogs issues and everyone in the family's quality of life. When Brychwyn's leash reactivity reared it's ugly, barking, lunging and snapping head, force of habit led me to use the same training techniques that had worked wonders with Wilhelm's issues. But Brychwyn's leash reactivity was made worse. In my journey through the world of dog training to help my leash crazed corgi, I have gained a wide range of knowledge of dog behavior and dog training. I am a better trainer and, because of it, Brychwyn has become a better dog. Plus, Wilhelm, Huxley and even Leo and Amelia have gained ground in their training as I strive to tailor each pets training to their individual needs. |
What part of your pet/humans individuality do you love the most?