Dog Health Questions: Help with husband and dog training?

All three of my dogs are obedience trained and listen to my commands. I have tried to teach my husband how to give commands properly, but he isn't consistent and he ends up getting frustrated and yelling at the dogs because they don't listen to him. Obviously, this makes the dogs even less likely to listen to him the next time...

He finally agreed today to read about dogs and training (Thank God!). As my dogs are already trained, can you guys recommend some good websites on dog behavior, being the pack leader, and being consistent? I just want him to be able to read it for himself so that it will reinforce what I have already told him. I can't force my dogs to listen to him when he isn't properly giving commands, so I hope this will help us out! Thanks for reading!

Things to Consider Before You Go For a Dog Training Career

Recommended Answer:
I teach dog training, and I often see this kind of situation frequently in my group classes. It's very frustrating for everyone!

When one human in a family has a working set of cues for their dogs, I usually recommend that the rest of the family simply mimic the good dog handler's voice and body postures. It often works best when that suggestion comes from ME, not from the husband or wife! (A session or two with a private trainer might help your husband learn how mimic you more effectively - and might minimize the frustration YOU feel when he doesn't act as you suggest.)

The other advice I can offer you is that just like dogs, humans learn happily when we notice and reward success instead of focusing on our failures. If you see even the smallest successful communications between your husband and your dogs, compliment him on those successful moments: you may find he becomes more and more open to hearing your dog handling suggestions.

Website-wise, I often recommend www.dogstardaily.com to my brand new students: it's a website based on the training approach of Dr. Ian Dunbar, one of the most respected trainers and dog educators in the US. Covers all the basics through blogs, videos, and articles.

If your husband is really interested in working on this problem and learning about dogs, you could give him the book Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller (from www.peacablepaws.com - there are some good articles on her website) and Leader of the Pack by Patricia McConnell (www.theotherendoftheleash.com). Ms. McConnell also has a several excellent and very readable books about how humans and dogs live and learn together (The Other End of the Leash is a great book to start with).

Good luck!

Therapy Dog Training - Working With Your Dog

• Have they dogs get to spend more quality time with your husband to spend time with the dogs. Coach him threw disciplining the dogs. Make sure he is consistent and have him do the dog work for a while.


• I would send him to class instead. There's nothing like hands-on and seeing others and their dogs and how their dogs respond to their different behaviors.
  Maybe he would be more receptive to a male instructor as well.


• Patience Is A Virtue


• You'll have much better luck training your dog than your husband!!! (sorry, couldn't resist)
  
  Best thing to do is HANDS ON. Make him jump right in and show him how you handle it.


• Maybe try to get him involved in a dog sport-like agility or flyball or dock diving or backpacking- whatever he and the dogs are capable of and interested in. If working with the dogs becomes FUN for him, he is more likely to get involved. There are clubs everywhere, ask your local shelter or your vet about dog activities in your area.