Your Dog May Not Fully Understand What You Mean

A dog can hear a word over and over without truly understanding what that word is supposed to mean. Owners often believe a dog understands a command because the dog sometimes responds, but occasional success is not the same as a clear understanding. In many cases, the dog has only learned the cue in one setting, one tone of voice, or one routine, which makes the behavior far less reliable than it appears.

That is why a dog may sit perfectly in the kitchen and then seem clueless in the front yard. The dog is not trying to be difficult. The dog is showing you that the lesson has not yet become clear and dependable in different situations. Once you see that gap for what it is, the whole problem starts to look much more manageable.

Inconsistency Can Undermine Good Training

One of the biggest reasons dogs stop responding well is that the rules around them keep shifting. A behavior gets corrected one day, ignored the next day, and accidentally rewarded the day after that. From the owner’s side, that may feel small. From the dog’s side, it creates a confusing picture that makes it harder to know which choice is right.

This happens in normal homes all the time. One person wants calm behavior at the door, another laughs when the dog jumps, and someone else gives attention just to make the barking stop. Dogs learn from patterns, and when those patterns are unclear, listening starts to break down. Better consistency often creates improvement faster than owners expect.

Distractions Change Everything

A dog that listens well in a quiet house may seem like a completely different dog outside, around guests, or near other dogs. That does not mean the training failed. It usually means the dog has not yet learned how to succeed when the environment becomes more exciting, stimulating, or overwhelming. Real life adds pressure, and pressure exposes where training is still fragile.

Most owners have seen this firsthand. At home, the dog looks focused and responsive. In public, the dog suddenly seems far more interested in smells, movement, noise, or other animals. That shift is incredibly common, and it does not mean your dog is hopeless. It means the training has to be built beyond the easiest setting so the dog can perform when it actually counts.

Repetition Alone Is Not Enough

Many owners repeat commands again and again when a dog does not respond right away. That feels natural, but it often teaches the dog something unhelpful. Instead of learning to respond to the first cue, the dog starts learning that the cue might come three, four, or five times before anything really matters. Over time, that weakens the value of the command.

The better approach is to make each cue clear and meaningful. Dogs learn best when expectations are simple, feedback is timely, and the outcome makes sense. That is one reason so many owners feel relieved once they start getting the right guidance. At Kasten’s Dog Training, the goal is not just to get a dog to perform on command. The goal is to help owners create communication that is clear enough to hold up in daily life.

Listening Is Built, Not Demanded

The dogs that seem like great listeners are usually not the dogs with the strongest personalities. They are the dogs that have been given clear direction, repeated practice, and fair follow-through. Good listening is built step by step through understanding, not forced through frustration. That is an important shift because it gives owners a real path forward instead of more disappointment.

When you stop seeing the issue as stubbornness and start seeing it as a training problem with a solution, everything begins to change. A dog that is struggling to listen today can absolutely improve with the right approach. Kasten’s Dog Training helps owners turn that confusion into clarity so their dogs can become more responsive, more reliable, and much easier to live with.

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At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

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How Dogs Actually Learn Rules

Dogs learn through repetition, timing, and consequence. When a behavior is met with the same response every single time, a dog builds a clear mental picture of what is expected. When that response changes depending on the day, the person, or the mood in the house, the picture blurs, and the dog is left trying to guess what the rules actually are. That guessing is what most people mistake for disobedience.

The key thing to understand is that dogs do not generalize rules the way humans do. A person can hear a rule once, understand the principle behind it, and apply it across a range of situations. Dogs do not work that way. They need the same rule enforced consistently across people and environments before it truly becomes part of how they understand the world. Every exception you make teaches them that the rule is negotiable.

The Most Common Ways Inconsistency Shows Up

The most frequent source of inconsistency in a household is not one person being lax; it is different people enforcing different rules. One family member lets the dog jump up for a greeting because they find it endearing, while another corrects the dog for the same behavior. From the dog’s perspective, jumping is sometimes rewarded and sometimes punished, which means it has no reliable feedback to work with. The result is a dog that keeps trying the behavior because it often works enough to be worth trying.

Inconsistency also shows up in how commands are given. Asking a dog to sit once, then repeating the command three more times when the dog does not respond, teaches the dog that it does not actually have to respond to the first cue. Giving a command and then allowing the dog to ignore it without a clear follow-through produces the same result. Dogs are remarkably good at identifying exactly how much pressure they need to respond, and they calibrate to whatever standard they are consistently held to.

What a Confused Dog Looks Like

A dog that has been living with inconsistent rules often develops a cluster of behaviors that owners describe as unpredictable, stubborn, or selective. The dog may respond perfectly in certain situations and completely fall apart in others. It may listen beautifully to one family member and ignore another entirely. These are not personality quirks; they are direct reflections of the training environment the dog has been living in.

Anxiety is another common result of chronic inconsistency. When a dog cannot predict the rules or the consequences of its behavior, it lives in a low-level state of uncertainty that, over time, builds into stress. A dog that is constantly checking in nervously, pacing, or struggling to settle is often a dog that has never been given a clear and reliable structure to operate within. Clarity is not just a training tool; it is genuinely calming for dogs in a way that inconsistent permissiveness never can be.

Getting Everyone in the Household on the Same Page

The fastest fix for household inconsistency is a simple agreement on rules, commands, and consequences that every person in the home follows without exception. This means using the same word for each command, enforcing the same boundaries every time, and agreeing on which behaviors are never acceptable, regardless of context. It sounds straightforward, but in practice, it requires real commitment from every adult and child in the house.

Private training lessons are especially valuable for this reason because they address the whole family, not just the dog. Teaching owners how to communicate clearly and consistently is at the core of what effective dog training programs accomplish. A dog that has been trained well but returns to a household without a unified approach will gradually drift back toward confusion, which is why owner education is just as important as what happens with the dog itself.

How Structure and Consistency Build Confidence

There is a common misconception that strict rules make a dog’s life more restrictive or less enjoyable. The opposite is true. Dogs that live with clear, consistent expectations are measurably more relaxed, more confident, and more engaged with their owners than dogs left to navigate an unpredictable environment. Structure gives a dog something to orient around, and a dog that knows exactly what is expected of it is free to simply be a dog rather than a stressed-out problem solver.

Think of it like a well-run household for children. Kids thrive when they know the rules, understand the boundaries, and can predict how their behavior will be received. Dogs respond to the exact same dynamic. Consistency is not about being rigid or harsh; it is about being reliable. A dog that can count on you to mean what you say and follow through every time is a dog that trusts you, and trust is the foundation on which everything else is built.

What to Do When the Confusion Is Already There

If your dog is already operating in a pattern of confusion, the good news is that dogs respond quickly when clear structure is introduced. The first step is identifying the specific rules that have been inconsistently applied and committing to enforcing them the same way every time going forward. It does not take months of perfect behavior to begin seeing improvement; dogs recalibrate surprisingly fast when the rules stop shifting under their feet.

For dogs with deeply ingrained confusion or behaviors that have been inconsistently reinforced for a long time, working with a professional trainer makes the process significantly faster and more effective. A dog behavior evaluation gives you a clear picture of where the inconsistencies are having the most impact and what the most efficient path forward looks like. Getting that outside perspective is often the turning point that helps owners stop repeating the same cycles and start making real progress.

Explore the Programs at Kasten’s Dog Training

If your dog is struggling and you are not sure where the breakdown is happening, Kasten’s Dog Training can help you figure it out. Explore the full range of dog training programs available for dogs of every age and temperament, or reach out to the team directly to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward a dog that is clear, confident, and actually listening.

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Make the Crate Inviting

• Comfort and Toys: Line the crate with safe bedding and durable toys. Offer high-value, long-lasting enrichment chews (like stuffed Kongs) exclusively inside the crate. (A word of caution, if you dog is unsupervised, be careful not to leave them with treats that could break off and become choking hazards.

• Meal Association: Feed all meals inside the crate, gradually moving the bowl to the back. Gently close the door during the meal, opening it immediately after your pup has finished eating and when you dog is calm.

• Treat Discovery: Toss high-value treats into the crate when the puppy isn’t looking to reinforce positive feelings.
• Play and Cuddle: Wherever the crate is located, spend time playing and cuddling near it. Throw toys in the crate so puppy can enter and leave with low pressure and fun.

• Avoid Punishment: Never use the crate as a penalty; this creates fear.

• Systematic Training: Use lures (treats/toys) to encourage entry. Start with the door open, then close it for just 1 to 5 seconds. Gradually increase the duration.

• Ignore Whining: Wait for a moment of silence before opening the door. We want calmness (a moment of settling) when we open the door.

• Practice Separation: Start by staying nearby – follow the no look, no talk, no touch rule. Then briefly step out of sight. Keep returns and releases calm. Use a calm, slow voice.

• House-Training Aid: The crate is invaluable when properly used, because dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area.

• Immediate Potty Breaks: Always take the puppy out immediately before crating and immediately after releasing them.

• Calm Exit: Only open the door once the puppy is calm and settles to reinforce relaxation.
• Stay Consistent: Don’t let puppy sleep with you in bed as it can cause backsliding.

Call a professional dog trainer or behavior specialist if crate training is disrupting your health, your pup demonstrates excessive separation anxiety, or crate training simply is not progressing for you.

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!

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Understanding canine personality types, particularly your dog’s personality traits, is one of the most powerful tools you have for modifying your dog’s behavior, communicating clearly and guiding them with confidence. Everyday interactions—eye contact, touch, tone of voice, even your body language—can influence how a dog responds, so approaching each moment with awareness and purpose is essential. For dogs that struggle with human aggression, dog aggression, severe reactivity, or extreme fear of the world, awareness of this becomes even more important when working on behavior modification. These dogs require a balance of sensitivity and direct, structured guidance to help them safely assimilate into everyday life.

In this section, we’ll explore the next three canine personality types: Aggressive, Fear‑Biter, and The Sky Is Falling—each with its own challenges and training considerations.

Aggressive dogs are confident, assertive, and willing to use force when they feel it’s necessary. This personality is not tied to any specific breed. Some dogs become aggressive due to mistreatment, but many learn early on that intimidation works. Contributing factors include poor training, lack of leadership, weak communication, inadequate socialization, and genetics. Because these dogs can pose a danger to people and other animals, they represent a significant liability for families and communities. Professional help is essential. A qualified trainer must safely bring out and address the aggression before teaching the owner how to maintain control and prevent future incidents.

The Fear Biter Canine Personality

Fear biters are insecure dogs who react aggressively when cornered, threatened, or approached by someone who appears nervous. Their aggression is rooted in fear, not dominance. They often attack from behind or when a person turns away. Causes include lack of early socialization, no obedience foundation, mixed signals from owners, or breeding for protection without confidence. These dogs can be dangerous, especially around children or guests, and may lead to serious incidents. Training requires calm, structured obedience, gradual socialization, and zero tolerance for aggressive behavior. A muzzle may be necessary during early rehabilitation to ensure safety.

The sky is falling personality describes dogs raised in isolation or kennel environments with little exposure to people, places, or everyday life. They may function normally at home but become fearful, overwhelmed, or paranoid in unfamiliar settings. Causes include poor breeding, lack of socialization, being raised with multiple dogs instead of people, or being kept in isolation for long periods. These dogs may develop extreme anxiety or, in severe cases, unpredictable aggression. Training is challenging because they don’t initially understand praise or communication. They require gentle, consistent exposure and soft-force training to build confidence slowly over time.

Understanding these more complex canine personalities allows owners to approach training with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations. Dogs struggling with aggression, fear, or extreme insecurity can make tremendous progress when guided with calm leadership, structure, and consistent communication. With the right approach, even the most challenging dogs can learn to feel safe, think clearly, and navigate the world more successfully.

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Call today to schedule your discussion with a trainer and begin training your Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post Your Dog’s Personality? – Canine Personality Types Part II appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

While every dog is an individual, many fall into recognizable behavioral categories. At Kasten’s Dog Training we focus on six canine personality types. These canine personalities are hyperactive, shy, happy-go-lucky, fear biter, aggressive, and the sky is falling. Understanding these personalities helps trainers create tailored approaches that bring out the best in each dog. Educating owners with their dog’s personality helps set realistic expectations. Learning your dog’s personality will help you train and communicate clearly and effectively. Let’s look at the three most popular canine personality types.

Happy-Go-Lucky dogs are easygoing, friendly, and cooperative during puppyhood, often learning basic obedience naturally. Because they are so pleasant early on, many owners delay training, which can lead to problems once adolescence hits. During this stage, these dogs may become distracted, independent, or selectively obedient. Causes include good genetics, strong early socialization, and sometimes simple luck. Training must be fun and enthusiastic, but taken seriously, with commands practiced in different environments and around distractions. Obedience should become a consistent part of daily life—not just a novelty or a game.

The Shy Canine Personality

Shy dogs are often genetically predisposed to insecurity and develop fearfulness outside familiar environments. They may be harmless but struggle with everyday sights, sounds, people, and new experiences. These dogs may develop separation anxiety, destructive chewing, submissive urination, or chronic nervousness. Training a shy dog requires calm, steady leadership and gradual exposure to new objects, sounds, surfaces, and people. Progress is slow but meaningful when approached with patience and consistency.

Common Causes:

• poor early socialization
• unintentional reinforcement of fearful behavior
• weak breeding practices

These dogs may develop:

• separation anxiety

• destructive chewing

• submissive urination

• chronic nervousness

Hyperactive dogs seem to have endless energy, short attention spans, and difficulty settling down. They often pull on the leash, struggle to focus, and remain active for long periods. This personality does not improve with age unless boundaries, communication, and obedience training are firmly in place. Genetics, overstimulation, poor habits encouraged by owners, and even diet can contribute. These dogs may display selective hearing, poor manners, and constant movement. Training must slow the dog down—using calm, structured obedience work and avoiding overly excited praise until the dog can think clearly and respond appropriately.

Understanding your dog’s canine personality type gives you the tools to train more effectively and support your dog’s growth. Behavior modification takes time and patients. As you work with your dog, remember that simple interactions—like eye contact, touch, or talking—can become a dog’s trigger point, so stay mindful and intentional in every activity. Stay tuned for part two!

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!

The post Canine Personality Types – Part 1 appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

Sense of Security

A predictable routine and clear boundaries—the foundation of structure—provide your dog with a sense of security. Dogs thrive on knowing what to expect. This predictability reduces confusion and uncertainty, which are common sources of canine anxiety. A structured environment allows your dog to relax because they understand their place and what is expected of them within the household.

Having both structure and mental stimulation places your dog in a position for success. Consistent structure reinforces the lessons learned during training. When rules are applied reliably (e.g., specific mealtimes, designated potty breaks, and consistent command use), your dog learns faster and retains information better. Mental stimulation, through activities like puzzle toys or learning new tricks, keeps their brain engaged and receptive to new commands, making training sessions more effective and enjoyable for both of you.

Promotes Physical and Mental Health

Mental stimulation is just as vital as physical exercise. Boredom in dogs often leads unwanted behavior, but can also lead to stress, which can manifest as physical health issues over time. Challenging their minds with activities—such as scent work, interactive play, or enrichment toys—burns mental energy, tires them out constructively, and prevents the cognitive decline often associated with aging. A well-structured daily schedule that includes regular exercise and mental engagement supports a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Mental Stimulation Suggestions

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Practice impulse control (leave it and the “place” command)
• Tug with rules (sit, tug, drop it)
• Take a different route when walking
• Sensory box. Fill a box with various items and dump food in.
• Obstacle course. This can be done indoors or out, get creative!

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Give us a call to schedule your consult with a trainer and ask questions regarding improving structure and mental stimulation for your dog. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

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So Why Do They Lick? 

Dogs lick to show affection, communicate, explore their environment, or even to calm themselves. While occasional licking is normal, excessive licking in dogs may point to an underlying behavioral or medical issue. This guide explores the most common reasons behind dog licking behavior and when it may be time to seek professional help.

In most cases, licking is a behavioral habit rather than a medical concern. Dogs may lick themselves, furniture, other surfaces, or their owners.

Common behavioral reasons include:

• Boredom – Stress, or anxiety. Licking can release nervous energy.

• Self-soothing – Similar to how repetitive actions calm people, licking can comfort dogs.

• Affection – A “hello lick” is often a sign of love.

• Habit – Once established, licking can become routine.
• “Grooming” lick – Usually after sniffing your skin for a few moments.
• Exploration – Puppies use their tongues to investigate new things.

• Taste – Dogs may enjoy the salty taste of human skin.

• “Please Stop” lick – Falls within the context of being touched in a way a dog might find aversive; may be asking you politely to stop touching them.

If your dog’s licking leads to hot spots, hair loss, or skin irritation:

• Redirect their focus with toys, chews, or interactive games.

• Provide mental stimulation through training or puzzle feeders.

• Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog when they stop licking on command (e.g., “Leave it”).

While less common, excessive licking can also signal an underlying medical issue. If your dog suddenly starts licking more than usual, or if the behavior is paired with skin changes, consult your veterinarian.

Possible medical causes include:

•  Allergies – Itchy skin or paws often lead to persistent licking.

• Infections – Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can cause irritation.

• Pain – Dogs may lick sore joints or injuries, much like humans rub an aching muscle.

• Gastrointestinal issues – Some dogs lick unusual surfaces when experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort.

If you notice excessive licking in dogs that results in skin damage, or if the behavior seems sudden and unusual, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. A professional can determine whether the cause is behavioral, medical, or a combination of both.

So, why do dogs lick? The answer depends on context. Occasional licking is usually harmless and even affectionate. But when licking becomes excessive, compulsive, or damaging, it’s time to take action. For behavioral licking, focus on redirection, enrichment, and training. For medical concerns, seek veterinary guidance. By understanding dog licking behavior, you can better support your pet’s health, happiness, and overall well-being.

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!

The post Why Do Dogs Lick? Understanding Dog Licking Behavior appeared first on Kasten's Dog 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!

The post Dog’s Perspective of Leadership – Part 2 appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

Why Holidays Can Be Stressful for Dogs

Understanding your dog’s triggers is the first step to preventing holiday-related stress and behavior issues. 

Here are the most common stressors:

• Loud noises and fireworks: Sudden bangs and bursts can frighten even confident dogs.

• Overstimulation: Crowds, music, and constant activity can overwhelm sensitive or young dogs.

• Unwanted attention: Children and guests may hug, chase, or tease, leading to anxiety or defensive behavior.

How to Create a Safe Space for Your Dog During Holidays

If you can’t supervise your dog at all times, set up a calm retreat where they can relax away from the action.

• Use a crate or quiet room with familiar bedding, toys, and soothing background noise (like a TV or radio).

• Post a “Do Not Disturb” sign to prevent guests from entering.

• Maintain regular bathroom breaks so your dog doesn’t feel neglected.

Additional dog safety concerns during holiday celebrations:

• Food dangers: Chocolate, raisins, fatty scraps, and too many treats can cause digestive issues or poisoning.

• Open doors and pools: Unsupervised access can lead to escapes or accidents.
• Toxic/poisonous plants: holly, lilies, mistletoe, poinsettias, etc.

Teach Guests How to Greet Your Dog Politely

Not everyone knows how to interact with dogs. Help your guests avoid triggering stress or fear by sharing these simple rules:

• Avoid feeding from the table to prevent begging and protect your dog from harmful foods.

• Let the dog approach first—don’t force interaction.

• Greet with a calm voice and gentle strokes under the chin (never over the head or with hugs).

Fireworks and Loud Noises: Use These Tips to Help a Dog with Noise Anxiety

Even dogs that seem confident can be startled by fireworks or loud celebrations. Here’s how to help:

• Keep your dog indoors in a sound-buffered room with music or white noise.

• Offer a chew toy or treat to redirect their focus.

• Avoid comforting fearful behavior—it may unintentionally reinforce the fear.

Signs Your Dog Is Stressed During the Holidays

Watch for these common signs of canine stress:

• Excessive yawning or lip licking

• Hackles raised or tail stiff

• Submissive posture with tension

• Fixed staring or avoidance

• Lip curling or growling.

If you notice these, calmly remove your dog from the situation and give them a break in their safe space.

Final Thoughts: Safety and a Joyful Holiday for Your Dog

Your dog is part of the family—and just like any loved one, they deserve to feel safe and included during the holidays. With a little planning, clear boundaries, and thoughtful supervision, these holiday safety tips for dogs can help you create a festive environment that’s enjoyable for both humans and pets. So this year, don’t just plan for your guests—plan for your pup, too. Because a calm, happy dog makes for a truly joyful holiday season.

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!

The post Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

Why Leadership Matters

Dogs are social animals, wired for structure, safety, and predictable cues. Leadership is clarity. And, leadership is not dominance, it’s a relationship. When you calmly lead with consistency, your dog relaxes, follows willingly, and becomes the steady companion you want them to be. Thus, leadership creates security; insecurity creates rules-testing and unwanted behavior.

Things Your Dog Wants You to Know; Leading with a Dog’s Perspective

1. We are dogs, not people. Despite human names, we interpret the world through scent, movement, tone, and environment rather than human concepts.

2. Leadership matters more than cookies, hugs, kisses, and cuddles. Really! We appreciate the cookies and cuddles, but what truly matters to us is having a leader to follow.

3. Love comes when leadership happens. Unconditional love is mutual, and leadership transforms that love into a relationship.

4. Respect our nature and come down to our level. Interact through body language, consistent routines, and clear signals that align with canine instincts.

5. Leadership creates calm followers. The more you convey steady leadership, the more secure and compliant we become within the boundaries you set.

6. Change your actions to change our reactions. We don’t understand ethical rules; we respond to how you behave and what you reinforce.

7. If you don’t lead, we will. If you do not lead, we will assume it and carry a burden we weren’t meant to bear.

8. Timing is everything. Ignoring a behavior or responding too late (2 seconds) signals that the behavior is acceptable.

9. Inconsistency confuses us. Mixed messages create anxiety and frustration; consistency creates clarity and trust, and then obedience.

10. When you provide leadership, I begin to trust you and obey!

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!

The post Dog’s Perspective of Leadership appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.