Part 1 - Theory

This is the beginning of a series of articles on Obedience and Training.  By no means should you consider this series to be a complete training guide, but rather my intentions are to offer advice and pointers about my own training experiences.  Duncan and I have  now been in obedience training for about 4 years.  Please note that I said Duncan and I have been in obedience training.  It has not been me teaching Duncan Obedience, but rather, we entered this training together and we both have learned allot over these past few years.   None of which would have been possible without our instructor,  Anne Paul, from the St. Hubert's Dog Training School in Madison, New Jersey.  Me being a klutz and Duncan being a clown has presented a real challenge to Anne.  But she's that good!  Anne's instructions have been based upon the methods of  Terry Arnold.  Together, Terri and Ann have produced a 3 volume set of training books: Steppin' Up to Success With Terri Arnold, by Terri Arnold with Anne Paul.  The Steppin' Up to Success With Terri Arnold  books are probably the most detailed training method available in print.  (More information on these books can be found at the bottom of this page.)  These books are an absolute must for any serious competitive obedience student and have been invaluable in Duncan and my training.   For those of you who are considering getting into obedience training I have one more recommendation..... get a trainer.  No matter how much you think you know or how good you think you are, there is someone out there that can help you be even better.

Before you begin:
Theory - Attention - What's expected ( Without attention you can't begin! )

Attention can be achieved by conditioning through repetitive training sessions.
Your responsibility during the training sessions include the following:

Attention is the foundation to any dog training for obedience, whether for competition, hunting and  field work or simply for appropriate behavior in the home.  The degree of this attention you and your dog can acquire will result in the level of success you achieve in your training endeavors.

You must decide upon a command to turn Attention "ON" and "OFF" during training.  Use something like "READY" or "WATCH" as you "ON" command.  Commands to turn Attention "OFF" could be like "FREE", "OKAY" or "ALRIGHT".

The two primary components of attention consist of 1) a physical part -eye contact and 2) mental focus.

Your responsibility during training is to give 100% of your undivided attention to your dog during the training session.  Don't expect 100% attention from your dog if you're not giving 100%.

Be clear and avoid confusion.  Never give your dog a command when you do not have his attention.  If you do, you are setting yourself up for repeating the command.  If you do repeat a command, you are using the command to turn "ON" attention the first time it is issued.  Repeating commands to acquire attention can result in confusing your dog.

Imagine for a moment a trainer standing facing toward his dog which is sitting facing him separated by an open space of about 15 feet.  The trainer yells a command "COME".

Now imagine the dog coming toward the trainer.  What does the approach of the dog to the trainer look like?.... Close your eyes and visualize the approach of the dog. 

What did you see?

Here are two possible visualizations... which did you see?

1) The dog gets up from his sitting position, and slowly moves toward the trainer.   The dogs tail is down, his head is down, looking at the ground and hesitates with every step toward the trainer.  The trainer is standing rigid with a scowl on his face, clearly displaying dissatisfaction with the slow, hesitating movement of the dog towards him.

or did you visualize this:
2) The dog jumps up from his sit, and brightly moves toward the trainer.  The dogs tail is up and wagging, his head is up looking directly into the face of the trainer and continues swiftly toward the trainer who is standing relaxed and smiling, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his friend.

Let me say now, the methods you use to train your dog are directly related to each of the two scenarios above.  You decide... which do you want.   If  you selected #1 above don't bother reading on, your part of the training will be easier than what you will read here, and your results will probably be quicker.   I can't imagine it being any fun though.  And as for your dog, no fun at all!

Theory - Learning ( Setting the stage for training - Understanding is key!)

Much to the method of training by Terri and Anne require you to have a thorough understanding of the end results of your training endeavors. The Steppin' Up to Success With Terri Arnold approach to training is just that a method from beginning to end.  Throughout the entire training method praise must be the primary motivator.  It is what establishes and distinguishes the attitude exhibited in the two "come" scenarios above.

Four Points to Training and Attention

You must have constant, undivided attention for the entire training session.

100% focus not 99%

Never allow dead time during the training session.

If you want 100% attention from your dog, give your dog 100% attention!

Always interact with your dog throughout the entire training session.

Never leave the dog in attention while you are not focused on returning the attention.

Don't have interruptions during training.  If you have an interruption continue playing or put dog in a down stay while you attend to your interruption.