Your Dog's Bond to You is Conditional

The first thing I tell new clients is that no one knows their dog as well as they do. As trainers, we must respect the bond (or developing bond) between a dog and their handler.

I like to make sure a client knows that having their dog display a learned obedience in any new location is not the time to rely on a bond. For example, you want your dog to maintain a "down" position at the park as children play frisbee. (Huge challenge for many dogs, mine included)

This is the moment when all dog owners need to realize their bond with their pet usually takes a backseat to "opportunities" such as a frisbee flying through air at the park.

So it's paramount to take the "opportunity" away. Don't allow for a fail. The simple fix in this case is to have your dog secured on a short (3 ft.) SAFE cable so he is not able to bolt after the frisbee. Send a big memorable message to your dog that he can't just bolt!

It's okay that dogs are opportunistic. Follow the steps.

1. Make it clear to your dog that " down" means "down."

2. Make your command foolproof by anchoring your dog to the short SAFE cable so that WHEN he breaks the down to chase the frisbee, bird, squirrel, you have the means to correct him and place him in the "down" position again.

"But I know that my dog will bark and go crazy while tethered in the face of a distraction". Yes, you know that because of your BOND with your dog. You can predict his behavior here for sure. Capitalize on your bond!

Use your bond as your inherent realization that you must lessen the level of distractions and/or environment to get your dog to behave in a in a way you can successfully manage. Maybe your dog can't handle the park and children with flying frisbees yet, so try it at home first. Just you, your dog and a frisbee.

Here's how:

Short cable him SAFELY and try "mini" toss with the frisbee. It may take multiple tries. The FIRST time your dog maintains his down position in the face of a "mini toss" celebrate BIG. Treat him, untether him and give him the "okay" to now chase the frisbee as you toss it LONG. Repeat and repeat and repeat the above process until no tether is needed and your dog knows "down" until you say "Okay!", or "Get it!" (Whatever release command you choose as long as you're consistent.)

Meanwhile your bond with your little angel/devil is GROWING in the face of opportunistic behaviors!