Can my dog be trained?

As a Dog trainer, I often get the question, “To what level can my dog be trained to?”. I like using analogies in my training sessions to get my point across. This is how I answer that question, although with more brevity.  Training your dog has two very important factors or influences. One being internal influences, the genetic make-up up of the dog and their natural potential disposition. The other being external influences like obedience training and exposure training, or lack there of.  My response to a client asking for help is “are you ready to begin training your dog?”

Is my dog a potential Masterpiece or a coffee mug?

Now think of your dog as clay. What kind of clay are you working with?  A dog with strong genetics, and good temperament is in a better position to achieve certain higher training goals. Think of an athlete for a second. Micheal Phelps, in part, is an outstanding swimmer due to his physical size and make-up. I remember a segment on TV that covered just this topic while watching the Olympics. Some dog breeds can be great Police dogs due to their physical and genetic attributes (i.e Malinois) while others would not do that same job as well (i.e Basset Hound). Although, that would be interesting to see.

Training is the hands that molds that clay into a desired shape. The skill of the sculptor is evident in the outcome of the project. A truly skilled sculptor takes years of earnest practice to achieve their status. Using Michael again as an example, he spent years and years of arduous and serious commitment of time and training in order training to become the World Class athlete he is. Imagine his potential, if he was never exposed to a pool or never had a trainer. That would have been a terrible loss of Unrealized Potential.

Lets take the case of a truly wonderful product of dog breeding- good health, sound genetics with solid temperament. This is the “great” clay that a masterpiece can be made from. In the hands of Master sculptor (trainer), a masterpiece indeed. Here are the Police Dogs, Service Dogs, Military Working Dogs, Sporting Dogs. In the hands of a “7th grader” (many parents), you get the doggie equivalent of a father’s day Coffee mug. A wonderful present with great sentimental value, but Unrealized Potential.

Most dogs, however, are not the product of a comprehensive breeding program. So while the clay is not the “most ideal” it is still able to be shaped and molded into what is desired, in the hands of a good trainer. This is the category that I see most often, when I go to a dog parent’s home. Here is where I see more of the behavioral problems because the dog has temperament issues. These issues are then compounded by years of inadequate training or improper exposure to the environment. Can these issues be addressed? In most cases, Yes.

What are you willing to do to reach your goal?

The questions for the parent(s) is to ask themselves are: “What do I desire from my dog, in both the short term as well as the long term”. “Are my goals realistic?”. “Do I have the knowledge to get there on my own or do I need assistance?”. “Do I have the time and resources to devote to my dog so that WE can achieve the desired goals?”. A saying that I have heard from time to time, comes to mind. “People do not really need a $2500 dog, they need a $250 dog and $2000 in training.

Some people are extremely happy with their “Coffee Mug” dog . This is the dog that has not been trained to its potential, but that is not what was needed by the pet parent. They are good dogs that are happy and add value to our lives.  Other pet parents seek the “Masterpiece”. The Masterpiece dog is that truly exceptional dog that stands out in a crowd and has achieved their potential. I will tell you again that obtaining the Masterpiece is costly in both time and effort. I am not just talking about the trainer here, I am talking about the owner. Many people believe that the trainer alone will make it happen, and they do little or nothing to maintain that level of training once the trainer leaves.

The truth of the matter is….

The truth is that dogs are not statues, but social animals that need our constant and never-ending love, compassion, care and on-going training to achieve and maintain our desired goals. While training should be rewarding, it does not come as easy or as quickly as some people think. It takes time and commitment.

So, to answer the initial question, Yes your dog can be trained. The question as to how far the dog can go is based in part on the potential of the dog and the level of expertise of the trainer, combined with your level of commitment.  Again, I ask- ARE YOU READY TO BEGIN TRAINING YOUR DOG?

Would you like to know more or begin your dog’s transformation?

Contact me, Bob Burnell at http://palmbeach.sitmeanssit.com

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