You Could Be the Reason You Dog is Behaving Badly, Dog Training Classes Can Help

Dealing with unwanted behaviors from our best friends - dogs - is one of the most frustrating aspects of pet ownership. You’re not alone if you’ve stood in your living room or kitchen after getting home from work, staring at a scene of pure destruction and asking your dog, “What is wrong with you?” Even though they can’t answer.

On the one hand, we may not love dogs as much if they could talk. Still, it’d be nice to be able to tell them, “I’ll be home in a few hours, there’s no need to worry,” and have them understand. When you enroll in dog training classes, you’ll learn to communicate so effectively, it’ll feel like you're talking to your dog.

The hardest truth about owning a dog is that they learn about the world from us. Our behaviors inform theirs. When they act in ways we don’t appreciate, like destroying the furniture or emptying the trash, we can look to ourselves for the cause. You may not even realize what your behavior communicates to your dog.

A dog training class with a trained expert can teach you how to use your behavior to get the obedience you want from your best friend.

Common behavioral cues that may influence your dog’s actions.

Dogs communicate with each other primarily through body language. You can use your behavior in the same way. Chances are, you already are without even realizing. Here are the most common behavioral cues that may be influencing your dog:

• Tone of voice: the way you talk to your dog can influence their reaction to you. Speaking in a high-pitch increases your dog’s enthusiasm but may decrease their accuracy when responding to commands.
• Being affectionate: establishing discipline and acting warmly towards your dog aren’t two opposing forces. The more affectionate you are towards your dog, the more trust you establish with your pet.
• Anxiety and stress: are you rushing out the door every morning, stressed and upset about being late? Your dog can sense your mood, and it may aggravate their separation anxiety and unwanted behaviors.
• Body language: because dogs communicate with their bodies, they’re always watching your body language. Is your body language saying the same thing as the commands you give your dog?

Most people don’t have an innate knowledge of how to “speak dog.” That’s why taking dog training classes with your best friend can transform your relationship and their behavior. You can learn how to alter your actions and body language to communicate intentionally with your pup.

Dog training classes can eliminate unwanted dog behaviors.

Dog training isn’t about a trained professional telling your dog what to do. It’s about teaching you how to communicate effectively with your dog. You and your dog already have a relationship built on trust and affection. A dog trainer can help you add respect and understanding.

I help my clients identify the behaviors that influence their dog and provide dog training classes so they and their pet can practice new behaviors together.

If you’d like to repair and improve your relationship with your dog, reach out to Russell’s K9 Academy.

As a third-generation dog trainer, I’m a lifelong student of dog psychology and pack behaviors. The focus of my work is dog aggression, but the mission of K9 Academy is no dog left behind.

No matter the size of the dog or the behavioral issues, I can help you tackle problems like:

• Destructive chewing and digging.
• Excessive barking.
• Phobias and anxieties.
• Bolting and chasing cars.

Or, if you’re new to dog ownership, I can help with basic obedience and house training. If you want to enroll in dog training with your best friend, call or contact us today.