Simplified Dog Training: What Really Works With Dogs

Have you ever felt confused by all the different dog training advice out there? You’re not alone! After training dogs for 15 years, I’ve learned something surprising: most training techniques aren’t actually needed.

The Big Secret

Here’s what I tell my close friends when they ask for help with their dogs: the problem is that you and your dog aren’t understanding each other.

When your dog doesn’t listen, it’s not because they’re being stubborn or trying to be the boss. It’s because they believe different “rules” about how your world works than what you’re trying to teach them.

Why Most Training Doesn’t Work

Most dog training focuses on teaching lots of commands and tricks. But these don’t solve the real problem – miscommunication between you and your dog.

Think about it like this: if you and I spoke different languages, would teaching me more words in your language help if I didn’t understand the basics first? Probably not!

“Most dog frustration doesn’t come from lack of having the perfect training tool. It comes from miscommunication,” is what I tell my friends when they’re struggling with their dogs.

The Simple Approach That Works

Instead of complicated training plans, focus on these basics:

1. Clear signals – Make sure your body language, words, and tone all send the same message
2. Consistent rules – Don’t let your dog jump sometimes but not others
3. Quick feedback – Let your dog know right away when they’ve done something right or wrong
4. Calm energy – Dogs respond to your emotions more than your words

What To Skip

You can ignore most of these common training recommendations:

• Fancy tricks that don’t solve real behavior problems
• Complicated training schedules with timers and clickers
• Making your dog “work” for everything

Why This Simple Approach Works Better

When you focus on clear communication, something amazing happens. Your dog starts to understand what you want. They’re not confused anymore. And when they understand you, they actually want to listen!

This makes life better for both of you. Your dog feels more secure because they understand the rules. You feel less frustrated because your dog listens better.

Try It Yourself

Next time your dog does something you don’t like, ask yourself: “What might my dog think is happening right now?” Then adjust how you communicate to make it super clear what you want instead.

Don’t worry about being a perfect trainer. Just focus on being someone your dog can understand. That’s the real secret to a well-behaved dog!