We had trouble with one of our dogs being aggressive toward other dogs after we moved.
We got a referral to a trainer and he did an analysis.
The trainer told us our dog, was stressed and didn't think we were in control of the house, so our furry kid decided to take charge! I had had dogs for many years and finally found a dog trainer who taught a simple, easy, and most important, EFFECTIVE training method which does not require yanking on a collar, physical force or loud verbal commands! This technique is so easy even a child can help train your four-legged friend.
At first glance it resembles a "stay" command; however, there is a difference - no verbal or regular physical commands are used.
This technique, called "MATTING" provides your dog with very important information.
With this training method, you become the Pack Leader and your dog can relax.
Without this, your dog can feel like they must be the leader which is stressful and can cause aggression to people and other dogs.
Plus if you have a high energy dog he/she can really benefit from matting.
You will be able to train your dog and this technique is so simple you will feel like it is a miracle! Here are the 4 easy steps: Step 1: Lay a towel, rug, or dog bed (large enough for the dog to lie down on and be completely comfortable on) on the floor - this is the "mat".
Step 2: With a collar and leash (or tab) on your dog, walk next to the mat, leading your dog onto the rug and drop the leash.
Step 3: Walk a few feet away, wait a few seconds and call your dog off the mat and give massive amounts of praise: Good Dog!, Good Come!, Good Boy!.
If your dog tries to walk with you, just calmly turn in a circle and place the dog on the mat again.
Do not say a word.
Step 4: Repeat this process slowly adding 15-30 seconds for the time your dog should stay on the mat before calling him/her.
If the dog can only do 15 seconds, staying at that time for several days to make him/her successful.
NOTE: When your dog comes off of the mat before he/she is called, do not say anything - just calmly pick up the leash/tab and place him or her on the mat again.
They will quickly learn to stay until called.
In addition, as long as they have even one paw on the rug, the dog is technically not OFF the mat.
Wait until your dog has totally walked off the mat before placing him/her on the mat again.
Allow your dog to do whatever he/she wants to do on the mat because this is his/her space.
Allow them to sit, lie down, stand, or (eventually) play with a toy.
Place your dog on the mat while you are doing things, but keep the time short in the beginning.
It is also fine to pet them when they are on the mat.
For example, in the morning I place my hound on the bathroom rug while I get ready, place him on a kitchen rug while making his breakfast, and a dog bed by the front door keeps him from mauling guests.
He no longer wants to go after other dogs, seems to have less anxiety and is a calm "gentleman.
" Can you imagine how this technique can help you? Your neighbors, friends and family will be in awe when they see how you have trained your dog! Over time you will be able to get your dog to relax with you while you watch a movie instead of bugging you to constantly play fetch.
It will be like a miracle!