re: Dog owners of the OT - how did you train your dog to behave well?

I'm pretty fortunate in that my dog just adapted to my patterns and listens when we are firm. If I sleep til noon, she sleeps til noon. If I wake up early, she might go use the bathroom first, but she will move to another room to sleep until she's ready to get up.

She will bark at dogs or people passing by the house, but if we tell her to stop, she will. Doesn't chew things or anything like that.

Never did specific "training" beyond normal housebreaking. Definitely never had to spank or punish. Don't even own a dog crate.

Michael Ellis

I've had a lot of dogs and still don't have it figured out. Some were well behaved, some weren't. Some were runners, some could go off leash. Some responded to discipline, some didn't.

Threatened to move her to BR.

I have an English bulldog (go figure), and they are labelled as "stubborn" and "hard to train".

First, read a book called "the other end of the leash" by Patricia Mcconnel (sp). It's a pretty good primer on dog behavior.

Second, determine the "commands" you want your dog to know. Once you do that, determine your exact words and your body language.

In general, dogs are watching your body much more than they are listening to you. Be consistent and try to understand what you are saying (non-verbally) to your dog.

Third, even a few basic behaviours can reinforce your position with your dog. Ie.
(1) make the dog sit, open the door, then have them stay before going out.
(2) have your dog sit, put food in their bowl, and have them wait for a signal from you before they eat.
(3) understand your own state. If you are agitated, your dog will probably react to that. You are the human, so make sure you are in control of your emotions first. If you have to raise your voice, you're probably doing something wrong, or have done something wrong leading up to that.

Anyway, the little (70lb) lug is a good boy. And I can direct him around the house and on walks without saying a word. Your mileage may vary.

Zero tolerance for inadmissible acts. Still a sweet as hell dog but he’s not half as disciplined as he used to be when he was a pup and living with me growing up in college. Lives with parents now and theyve spoiled him rotten. He’ll follow commands still but plenty times requires raising of your voice. Never needed to raise my voice to correct him when he was younger.

Was a rescue dog got from shelter when he was 2 months old. German Shepherd, Black and Tan coonhound mix.