Victoria Stilwell’s Top 10 Positive Dog Training Tips

I am a BIG fan of positive dog training and today I came across a list of positive dog training tips that I had to share. You may be familiar with Victoria Stilwell as she is the host of “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet.

Stilwell is famous for her use of positive training techniques and she only uses rewards to teach dogs. I have found this to be extremely effective because the dog “wants” to obey instead of obeying out of “fear.”

1. Continued Training

Keep training. Owners often think that once a dog is trained, there is no need to carry on. But your dog never stops learning, and training should be reinforced throughout your pet’s life.

2. View the World from Your Dog’s Standpoint

Think dog. Take time to think about how your dog perceives the world, and use this knowledge to make training easier.

3. Exercise is Vital

Exercise your dog. A tired dog is a happy dog. Ensure, however, that the exercise is appropriate for your dog’s age and breed.

4. A Calm Dog is Happy

To feel secure, all dogs need a calm, confident leader. Effective leadership isn’t about dominating your dog and making him submissive toward you. It’s about being a teacher and building his confidence. You can achieve that by encouraging and rewarding good behavior.

5. Don’t Skimp on Dog Food

Look at your dog’s diet, and see how you can improve it. You are what you eat, and the same is true for your dog. Many behavior and medical problems can be attributed to poor diet, so make sure your dog is eating the very best.

While Stiwell does not mention this, I like to point out that higher quality food has many benefits. First, your dog will eat less and thus poop less. Second, when you calculate the change in feeding, higher quality food is about the same as “cheap” food. Finally, a high quality food will keep your dog’s nails strong and its coat shiny making your dog look healthier.

6. Socialize Your Dog

Sign up for an activity that you both enjoy, such as an agility class, flyball, heel to music, etc. Dogs get bored easily, so get yours out and moving.

My basset would not like any of her mentioned activities. It is just not the basset way. However, she does love going to the Basset Club every weekend where she does like to play with other Bassets. Therefore, like exercise, the activity needs to match the dog and its breed.

7. Lost Pet Prevention

Get your dog microchipped, if you haven’t already. Also, don’t forget his yearly checkup with the veterinarian.

I live in the great state of Hawaii. Here, dogs are required to be microchipped. While this cannot be enforced on dogs and cats born in people’s home, it is enforced for breeders and animals entering the state. More states need this type of law.

8. Play is for Bonding

Keep playing. One of the best ways to bond with your dog is to play games that you both enjoy. Play is a great stress reliever for both dog and human.

9. Dog Safety

Keep your dog safe. Don’t leave your dog alone in a car or tied up outside a shop. Dog theft is on the rise, so be careful.

I came from Texas and dog (and child death for that matter) increased every summer because people would leave their animals (and children) in a car. We tested this ourselves with a thermostat. In just under 10 minutes, my brother’s car reached a stifling 140 degrees.

10. Love Your Dog

Have fun and enjoy your dog. A dog should never be a burden. If you take the time to train your dog, you’ll give him the tools he needs to live successfully in a human world.

See why I had to share these tips with you? Every pet owner needs to remember that pets need to be loved and cared for on a daily basis.

Training does not stop after basic obedience. Your dog is always watching you and learning from you. It is up to you what you teach your dog. Show your dog love and your furry friend will respond. Add positive dog training to your life and man’s best friend will never be a burden or a bother.

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