Pulls On The Leash

This can be complicated depending on the circumstances. However, most dogs that pull have figured out that is the only way to get where they want to go.

I usually start jogging with a dog so we are moving fast enough to keep them going MY direction. When I start walking a dog I simply DO NOT go where they pull. I turn, keep the leash taut and when they come my way, I start walking and praise them. Do not expect to walk around the block when doing this. It should be a short training session and you may never go more than 10 yards in one direction. Holding a treat in your hand at nose level may encourage the dog to walk close and sniff for the treat. this way you can get a few yards of walking on a loose leash.

My Dog Barks Too Much

This can be a good thing. teaching a dog to bark is more difficult than teaching one to not bark.

Hold a treat for your dog and ask them to "speak" or whatever word you choose. When they do, reward them.

Now, teach them to "hush". Ask the dog to speak and entice them to keep "speaking". When they do mildly shout "Hush". As soon as they do (immediately) reward them. Practice "hush" dozens of times always rewarded with a goodie.

Do not practice real life until you have had several dozen or hundred, successful practices. After a dog hushes in real life situations, quickly take them away from the challenging situation after they positively respond to your command and reward with a treat or a walk etc.

Teaching Your Dog to Sit and Other Basic Skills

learning to do things like sit, stay, lay etc are training issues which I help my clients with, however, there is a difference between training issues and behavior issues. Nonetheless, many pet owners are frustrated by the difficulty that can accompany simple tasks like "learning to sit".

Mary had a small poodle mix that would not stay still long enough to sit and get rewarded. Mary would say "sit", and then again "sit' and a few seconds later "sit. In fact she would say sit, sit, sit over and over to no avail.

When I arrived at the house the first thing we did was to go for a walk and a short run. We came back and had a "free" treat. I took Greta into the living room and let her smell the treat in my hands. She kept jumping and twisting in excitement for the treat. I did not issue any command until she settled down a little bit-apparently losing hope in her ability to jump high enough-as she became confused as to how to get the treat. When she seemed to look at me for a split second I said "sit", one time, and waited. I waited 20 seconds and then she sat just long enough for me to give her a treat.

Great learned to sit within 15 minutes. Only gve a command once and then wait 10, 20, even 40 seconds for the desired behavior to occur. Give the command at a lull, not in the hype of the moment. reward immediately when the behavior occurs or "almost occurs".

More On Getting Your Dog To Pay Attention

Some people have asked me what to do when they tell their dog to "watch me" and hold a treat to their forehead. What happens sometimes, is that the dog will take his eyes off of you as you move the treat away from your face. This is easily remedied.


Using a clicker (preferred method, but not necessary) slowly move the treat away from your face and then wait for the dog to look back at you as if to say "what's going on". At that precise moment use the clicker or reward with the treat. The dog needs to learn that it is when "looking you in the eyes" that he/she is rewarded. Reward instantly when the dog makes eye contact!

My Dog Won't Listen to Me

Dead words are a common problem with pet owners. I have seen many pet owners saying "come" over and over again while the dog just ignores them. The fact is, "come" to the dog only means "ok, thanks, I know you're nearby, I can hear you". It's does not help to keep using that dead word for years when it does not convey what you want it to convey.


The place to start is by selecting a new word. Choose a word that sounds totally different and protect this word. That means, only use it when you want the dog to come to you and not casually around the house. After selecting your new word, ONLY use it when you have the dogs attention and a generous treat. Use ice cream, cheese or something the dog loves and reserve these treats for training with the new word only.

Never use the new word unless you have 100% confidence that your dog will respond successfully. Begin indoors and when you are sure you have the dogs complete attention outdoors. ALWAYS make sure in the beginning you set the dog up for success.

Your commitment to retrain your dog will pay off with new communication skills and an enhanced relationship. Remember: do not let frustration or anger rule your voice or your reactions to your dog's behavior.

Teach Your Dog To Listen to You

"Watch Me". Is a great command for a dog who always wants to go do his own thing. It is important that your dog looks at you so as to confirm that he is interested in what you have to teach Start with a treat (something really great) and when the dog is not looking at you, but also NOT too interested in something else, like a cat in the yard, enthusiastically say "watch me" or "Look." At that precise moment, be holding a treat by your face or your mouth so your dog looks at your eyes or your face. Then lower the treat to give to the dog. The idea is too reward your dog for looking at you when you speak, paying attention and ultimately giving you priority over other distractions and interests.


Immediately reward a response with a treat and praise or favorite toy. Wait a few seconds or minutes and do it again. Practice for a few days and make sure you ALWAYS are ready to reward the good behavior. Remember to only practice when you know the dog will respond so as to guarantee success.

Over a short period of time the dog will give you better attention and this will be a valuable tool in training and instruction.

How to Stop Your Dog From Jumping on People

Dogs typically love hands, with the exception of those who are abused. Dogs love our hands because hands play with, feed them, scratch their bellies and are used in most communication efforts.


Clients that have asked me fore help with jumping dogs or overly excited dogs are usually making the mistake of telling the dog to "jump" or "come get me" by what they do with their hands.

If a person lifts their hands to their chest to get away from the dog, the dog believes that means "jump up to get to my hands that you love so much". If a dog jumps up and a person tries to push the dog down or push the dog away with his hands, the dog interprets that as "try harder to get those wonderful hands that are playing with me.

Dogs who are well-cared for and excercised daily will respons quickly to hands that stay limp at your side while you ignore the dog until such time as it settles down and you decided you are ready to play or pet.

Remember; dogs love your hands, so use them to condition and train the dog with consistency and common sense.