I love training my dogs, it is never really about obedience, it is about love, responsibility, communication, patience and determination. Dogs are animals, they are not, contrary to a growing body of opinion, children or furbabies. I do not use trainers, classes, videos,  or books, I use my own mind and connection to the dog. I wrote earlier this week that I had neglected to train Lenore to walk alongside of people on a road, as we always walked in the woods and I never imagined leaving the first Bedlam Farm.

I take responsibility for this, we have moved to a different place and our walks have been chaotic and stressful, me yelling at Lenore to get out of the woods and stop eating gross stuff, and she confused as to this radical change in direction. Why do we always end up yelling at them when we have never given them any clear or rational sense of direction? I hate  yelling at dogs on walks, it is not who I wish to be, or how I wish them to live.

If you wish to have a better dog, you will have to be a better human.

So training began in earnest this week. One-on-one, focused and sustained, positive and clear. I brought a bag full of kibble (I use bits of kibble, it is cheaper than gourmet treats and easier to carry around in a Ziploc bag.) I put Lenore on a leash and held it closely. I tapped my knee and tossed her some kibble when she looked towards me or stayed by my knee. The command is “Stay Close,” and also “Walk With Me.”

When she turns away, I am quiet, when she turns towards me I praise her and toss her a treat. When she is walking calmly alongside of me, I use emotions and visualizations, reinforcing the behavior I like, ignoring the behavior I don’t like. Attitude is important – I am calm, clear and persistent. I train for five or ten minutes, then take a break. Precision is critical, she must be reinforced at precisely the right time or she will get confused.

Already, our walks have calmed down and been more joyful. No yelling for the past two days, a lot of calm walking. This will take two or three months, and I need to be calm and clear and very patient. To have a better dog, you have to be a better human.