09/11/2026
How do dog trainers get their “perfectly behaved dogs” to be that way? I’ll let you in on some secrets - and it doesn’t involve spending 5 hours a day training them.
1. We Utilize Management
Leashes, crates, gates, fences, and other rooms. All of these tools (and more) allow us to prevent our dogs from having an experience that undermines their training, or is maybe “above their pay grade” at the time. No experience at all is better than one that would muddy the waters of your expectations of behavior for your dog.
2. We Don’t Give Commands In Uncertain Scenarios
When giving commands to a dog who is still new to training, it’s important to give thought to a few factors first. Is your dog ready for this level of distraction? What are you going to do if your dog doesn’t follow through? If your dog just started learning recall last week and happens to be off leash as a deer runs through your yard - it is NOT the time to “see if their recall works”.
3. We Use Tools As Tools
Too many owners use their leashes and training collars as a first line of defense in training. They’ll pull on the leash or hit the button on an ecollar and give a command at the same time, or worse, after the tactile sensation has been given. In order to properly train a dog to ultimately rely on verbal commands alone, it’s important to use your equipment as a way to ENFORCE your verbal commands, not as a precursor to them.
4. We Reward - Not Bribe
Going along the same stream as number 3 - rewards should be given as rewards for good behavior. Asking your dog to come inside, having them ignore you, and then running inside to grab a bag of treats to shake is creating nothing more than a negotiation session and a dog who will want to barter for behavior in the future too.
5. We Make Anything A Reward
Anything your dog likes can be used as rewards. Dog wants to go outside? Ask for a sit first that gets rewarded with the door opening. They want to go for a car ride? How about seeing if they can perform that new trick you’ve been working on before you open the car door? Utilizing things like that as rewards shows the dog that rewards are available from you at any time, not just when you’ve got the bag of treats in your hand.
6. We Stop Bad Behavior At The Root
If you’re struggling with bad behavior outside the house, there’s a good chance you’re struggling with it inside the house too - maybe even without realizing it. Maybe your dog is barking as you pour their food into the bowl. Maybe they’re shoving their way out the door to the backyard. While these behaviors may not bother you, they’re reinforcing the idea for your dog that if they act impulsive and pushy, they’ll get whatever they want. And if you’re struggling with their behavior outside the house, this is likely where the root of your problem lies.
7. We Form Quality Relationships With Our Dogs
There’s no shortcuts. At the end of the day, the best behaved dogs have a great relationship with their owners too. Good relationships come from consistent leadership, quality playtime, and respecting dogs for the amazing creatures that they are.
