“Stories from a holistic vet” is the blog of Dr. Laurel Davis, a holistic vet and “animal interpreter” with a clinic in Asheville, NC and also offering intuitive animal health and lifestyle advice for animal companions and their human friends across the USA.
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I need to make a confession: I am in no way, shape or form a dog trainer.
That being said, what I can tell you is nearly every dog that comes into my office either asks for more structure or is delighted that they have the structure they need. As a holistic veterinarian, I would be remiss if I didn’t list training as a very important part of the life of a healthy, balanced canine.
Shiba Shake, an entertaining and informational website, states their insightful guidelines for a strong and healthy bond with your dog.
- Try to always remain calm, consistent, and fair. This will make your dog feel safe because he will always know what to expect from you, and what you expect from him.
- Establish a consistent set of verbal commands and hand gestures to communicate with him.
- Establish a consistent set of rules that he must always follow.
- Establish a consistent routine and schedule for his various dog activities.
In a big way, it’s not so much about the particular rules as it is about defining boundaries and routine. The rules do not automatically create the strong bond and make you into a respected leader, it is the fairness and consistency with which you approach your training of and relationship with your amazing 4-legged partner that matters.
Making an effort to train with your dog for several months is a great way to get started, or to refresh your training efforts. Some of this training should be done away from the house, such as on walks or in training class. Some exercises are especially good for bonding with Fido:
- Gentle stay training, including a month of leadership exercises as explained in the book “Dog Training for Dummies,” by Jack and Wendy Volhard.
- Come-when-called, for great rewards that you vary so that the dog knows it’s always worthwhile to come to you.
- Walk on a loose leash.
- Eye contact, attention exercise.
- Retrieving, taught with a gentle method, a simple play retrieve if the dog is not training for competitive dog sports.
www.drsophiayin.com presents a video revealing that the secret to dog training is that the owners have to consistently reward desired behavior and remove rewards for unwanted behavior with exact timing until the desired behaviors become a habit. This requires that owners be aware of all of their interactions or they will unwittingly spend more time thwarting their plan the working towards their intended goals
http://drsophiayin.com/resources/video_full/secret-to-dog-training
There are many trainers to choose from when you are looking for advice and direction. Sunvet Animal Wellness Clinic in Asheville, NC, consistently sends our clients to these:
Kim Brophey’s group at The Dog Door www.dogisreal.com/
Jenny White at Dog Ed www.dog-ed.net/
I always urge all of you doggie caretakers to ‘brush up’ on your training skills. It’s an opportunity to create a richer, more textured relationship with your buddy. Your dog will look at you with his sparkling eyes, just begging for what’s next.
Shine on,
Dr. Laurel
Dr. Laurel Davis is a holistic vet offering phone and Skype consultations for animal lovers everywhere.
Call 828-254-2221 or order an Ask Dr. Laurel™ phone or Skype session or bring your dog or cat to her downtown Asheville, NC clinic.
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