Earlier in November, we began a discussion of leadership from a dog’s perspective. At that time, we explored why leadership matters and what your dogs wants you to know. Today, we continue that discussion with instruction “from a dog’s perspective of leadership” that will help the owner understand how to lead while transitioning their dog home after training.
For Owners with Trained Dogs or Considering Training
Time with trainers in a neutral environment helps your dog learn new behaviors while removing the accidental reinforcement from our usual setting.
Things Your Dog Wants You to Know; Leading with a Dog’s Perspective
1. Your real work begins when we return. Bringing us home starts your job as a calm, fair, and consistent leader who reinforces boundaries and expectations daily.
2. We will test boundaries; be prepared. Indeed, we revert to old patterns unless every interaction becomes an opportunity to calmly reinforce leadership and the trainer’s methods.
3. Technique breakdown explains failures. If exercises fail, you quickly forgot that we are selfish creatures, visual learners, and live in the moment.
4. Trainers teach; owners implement. Here’s the thing, professionals can teach both of us, but only your sustained changes in interaction will produce lasting results.
5. Money buys training; leadership earns a lasting relationship. In reality, you can pay for a well-trained dog, but only loving, calm assertive, fair, and consistent leadership will make our relationship last.
Bringing It Home: Practical Leadership Habits
- Mind your timing: Reward or correct within seconds so the message lands.
- Be consistent: Use the same markers, cues, rewards, and corrections every time.
- Control intensity and tone: Calm, firm energy communicates leadership better than shouting or passive avoidance.
- Reinforce lessons at home: Continue the trainer’s routines and practice short, frequent sessions.
- View every interaction as training: Doors, greetings, mealtimes, and walks are opportunities to teach and reinforce boundaries.
Final Note
Leadership with dogs is practical, patient, and persistent. Lead clearly, consistently, and with calm confidence. Your leadership is the gift that turns training into trust and obedience.
Contact Us Today!
At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!
