Things that we need to consider before and during training:

Dogs are thinking, feeling, emotional, and sentient beings. They are individuals with thoughts and feelings and opinions about things and they are allowed to be and express themselves as individuals. We often do them a diservice by taking a "one size fits all" approach and not really seeing or appreciating the dog that is in front of us.

We miss out on the amazing things that make them who they are and the very things that we love about them because we can become hyperfixated on obedience and control. Dogs aren't robots and should not be expected to listen to humans "just because we said so". It's not a matter or who is alpha or dominant. It's mixing ingredients like acknowledging and accepting your dog for who they are AND building a meaningful relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

What other factors are involved?

Breed & Genetics

By considering the breed and genetics of our dogs, we can gain valuable insights into their behavior and build stronger connections with them. Understanding breed tendencies and individual genetics allows us to tailor our training methods and set realistic expectations for our dogs.

Remember that while genetics provide a foundation, each dog is an individual with their own personality and experiences. By embracing their uniqueness and providing appropriate training and care, we can create a harmonious and connected bond with our dogs.

Learning Style

Dogs have different learning styles, and as responsible pet guardians, we need to adapt our training and teaching techniques accordingly. The three main learning styles in dogs are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic and are often a combination of 2 or even all 3 learning styles. They can change based on the skill being introduced or taught and the enivronment or situation.

Motivation

It's important to recognize that dogs are naturally inclined to seek rewards and avoid punishment. This behavior is rooted in their evolutionary history as pack animals. By using positive reinforcement techniques, we can tap into their desire for rewards to motivate them to engage in desired behaviors. Rewards can include treats, praise, playtime, or any other form of positive reinforcement that your dog finds rewarding. By associating the desired behavior with a positive outcome, such as a treat, we can reinforce the behavior and increase the likelihood of it being repeated.

Rewards

Each dog is unique and may be motivated by different things. Some dogs may be food-motivated and respond well to treats, while others may be motivated by play or affection. By observing and experimenting, you can discover what truly motivates your dog and use it as an advantage during training sessions. For example, if your dog is not very food-motivated, you can find a high-value toy that they particularly enjoy and use it as a special reward for more challenging tasks.

Personality

Personality plays a crucial role in determining the best approach and techniques to use. For example, some dogs may be more outgoing, confident, and energetic, while others may be more reserved, shy, or timid. By recognizing and working with these personality traits, we can tailor our training methods to suit each dog's needs and preferences. Dogs have different ways of perceiving and showing up in the world. We can use those tendencies to help train and educate them.