by Jeff Smith
Attitude is one of the most important factors between positive and negative outcomes when dog training. This includes your attitude and your dog's attitude. Your dog's attitude toward his training will help conquer his most negative behavior. On the other hand, the way you control your dog's attitude is completely on your shoulders!
When training sessions only consist of commands, you can rest assured that your dog will develop a bad attitude. Since your dog's daily routine will include training techniques it is up to the you, as the trainer, to develop training sessions that are both positive and fun.
A dog owner can achieve positive training sessions by communicating verbally with a positive attitude. Communicating with your dog doesn't mean the standard "Sit" or "Heel" dog commands. All you have to do is talk to your dog. Simply say, "Good dog... you're doing a superb job Sparky! Come on Sparky, you can do it boy."
Even though your dog will have absolutely no idea what you're saying, important achievements will take place while you're chatting. Your enthusiastic attitude and calm voice will show your positive attitude. This will encourage your dog into doing an excellent job in order to please you and in turn, motivates a positive attitude within your dog.
Commands should be given in a totally different voice tone. Your commands should be actual commands and not just requests.
Make sure that your dog training is based on positive communication. Just talk to your dog and make sure you reflect your good attitude in your voice. Your dog will reflect his good attitude with enthusiasm for each new training session.
