We define training problems as your dog’s inconsistent, or lack of response to basic directions such as sit, down, come and stay. Your observations may be that he only does it when he wants to, he knows what the word means but he ignores you, or he has selective hearing.

Training problems also include dogs that jump on visitors, dash out through open doors or gates if they have the opportunity, or don’t walk nicely on a leash.

Your training attempts may have been unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. First, you may not be consistent with following through with your directions. If you tell you dog to sit and he doesn’t, and you just forget about it walk away, you’ve taught your dog that your direction “sit” has no meaning.

If your dog will lie down in your living room, but not at the park, he may not have yet have learned that “down” is the same behavior no matter where he is when you give this direction. Or he may be too excited or nervous to respond to what you’re telling him to do. You can train your dog to consistently do what you tell him, but it takes time, practice, and perhaps assistance form a trainer who really understands learning theory and dog behavior. Be sure and read our recommendations for choosing a dog trainer before you select someone to help you.

If you really want to know how to train you dog, then you need to know how he learns. Enroll in our 4 session Fundamentals of Animal Learning, on PetProWebinars.com.  AND purchase Dr. Hetts’ book 12 Terrible Dog Training Mistakes which reveals the most common reasons your training has been unsuccessful.    Your dog will be part of your family for many years, and you will always need to be updating his training, so you’ll get years of value from this program. Any trainer you choose to help you should know the information contained in this program. So even if you decide to hire a trainer, this program will help you evaluate that person.