I call it Calming Training because I don’t really have any other name for it. Calming training is essential for any dog of mine.
Three or four times a day, in three or four-minute bursts, I show my dogs how to do nothing and how to be calm – two things dogs do not naturally know how to do.
Zinnia is a remarkable dog, and I don’t say this just because I love her. For a 10-week old puppy who’s lived with us for less than two weeks, she’s impressive.
She was housebroken (mostly) within several days, she comes on command, sits when asked and is learning how to stay.
Maria took this video of me this morning, many people have asked to see videos of our training sessions. In the video, I remind people that I am not a dog trainer, and never pretend to be one.
Professional animal trainers know a lot more than I do. But I also believe people don’t need a $35 book and videos to train their dogs.
Most of it is common sense and connection.
I’m not telling anybody what to do, just sharing what I do. We are all different, and so are our dogs.
Calming training is important for my dogs. We bond, learn to work together, and most importantly, the dog gets a chance to calm down and think. Come and see the progress we’re making.
Oh Jon. Awesome Team already. Beautiful.
Beautiful!!! Thank you for this sweet video! She’s amazing already!
Something I learned when I started training for Schutzhund while also competing in AKC obedience.. the trainer (world class Schutzhund trainer/competitor) asked why I tell the dog to stay, you already told them to sit, if they get up or move they are no longer sitting and are incorrect. Never thought of it that way,just an extra command ( not necessary) and I never used the word stay again.. not needed. If anything, repeat the sit or down command to reinforce as that is what we want them to do! Made sense! When I brought that back to my obedience club, they said hmm makes sense!
Thank you Jon for sharing sweet Zinnia with us. Happy Thanksgiving ?
She truly is amazing! One of the things I especially like about the training you are doing is that it is off leash. People often use a leash too much to essentially force the dog to do what is wanted. Zinnia isn’t being forced. She’s being encouraged and rewarded, both with your praise and little tidbits. She is voluntarily coming, sitting, watching you, and generally responding to you because she knows that good things come from doing these things. Yay!