The Laws of (Animal) Attraction: “Train Your Dog” DVD Review
The Well-Trained Dog. – Photo: Kevin Miller Photography
DVD Review, “Train Your Dog – The Positive Gentle Method” with Nicole Wilde and Laura Bourhenne (The Picture Company – 93 Mins.)
“…No, Killer, no!”
“…Put the child down, Tiny!”
“I’m sorry—Baby has a barking problem…”
Do any of these scenarios feel a little familiar? If you think an untrained dog is not a detriment to your health, the animal’s health, and the general health and stabliltity of your family, it’s time to think more deeply on the matter.
There’s a world of difference between a new pup, an adolescent, and an older dog, and “Train Your Dog – The Positive Gentle Method,” is here to help you teach your pets good behavior every step of the way.
Using techniques mostly reserved for animal actors and stunt pets, certified animal trainers Nicole Wilde and Laura Bourhenne walk you and your animal companions through basic, advanced, and essential commands, step by step, easy-peasy.
The video features all sorts of cuter-than-cute breeds of dog who’ve mostly never been trained–CuteOverLoad.com addicts will not be disappointed here.
Within seconds, they’re listening to basic commands motivated by voice, treats, and an ever-mysterious “clicker.” You watch them learn how to be on their best behavior in real time, treated with the utmost love and dignity in the process.
Your friendly, oh-so-maternal trainers stress that you use positive, gentle techniques. Chuck the words “No,” and “Bad Dog,” forgo hitting/spanking, and save your yelling for the football games—if you must yell at all….
These techniques are fairly foolproof regardless of your dog’s size, breed, temperament, or age. Rather than punishing your dog’s so-called mistakes (jumping up on you inappropriately for instance), the trainers lead by example and show the good of your dog’s every behavior, even while changing it and encouraging other ways of being more appropriated for domesticated animals.
Your instructors also accommodate varied learning styles using a technique they call “shaping,” allowing you and your dog to go through the process one micro-command at a time.
The video’s easy to navigate menu lets you choose your own adventure, and learn one command at a time, advancing in progress and difficulty as you learn more. In essence, it also “trains the trainer,” and encourages you to use your common sense to remedy your dog’s common behavior problems, saving you oodles of time and money. Why pay a trainer when you can rock it Do-It-Yourself style?
Other basics covered include: purchasing the right collar, the best/most healthy treats to use, making training fun, loose leash training, correcting behaviors for inside and outside the house, teaching your dog how/when to be quiet, car safety, best play toys, rewards and consequences, creating “cue words,” using a leash for gentle reinforcement, helping fearful dogs to be calm, teaching your dog to be more gentle, clicker training, inside and outside commands, and cute for cute’s sake bonus materials.
Warning: The music and the cartoon interludes are more than a little corny, but your dog won’t know the difference, and it’s fun for the little people in your life to watch with you.
Here are some useful trainer’s motivations and mindsets that you can apply right away.
Training Tips:
Timing Is Everything: If you’re a brand new owner or brand new to training, watch the video by yourself before allowing your dog in the room. For that matter, with any home-based training, practice and visualize it yourself rather than using your pet as a “guinea pig.”
Are You a True Alpha?: Establish a role as your dog’s best friend, by leading with thoughtfulness and kindness rather than brute force.
Repetition Reaps Results! Only 3-5 minutes of practice per day can effect great change.
Look on the Bright Side: Know that both you and your dog want to succeed, and to be good. You’re here to enrich each other’s lives. Keeping that in the forefront of your thoughts will keep the whole situation harmonious.
No More “No.”: “No” is too punitive. Use the phrase “eh-eh,” or a firm vocal inflection with your animal, and lighten up the vibration.
Kinder and Gentler: Use patience and consistency while you’re training your pooch. It’s the best way to establish and maintain any new habits you want your dog to take on in your home.
Last But Not Least, Love: Exercise and discipline are a top priority for both yourself and your animals, but your love and kind attention is its own reward. Dogs are great protectors and playmates—but they’re also the epitome of lovingkindness in your life. Make sure you give them a lot of it.
Happy Training!
Related Links:
“Train Your Dog – The Positive Gentle Method” at Amazon.com