Good dog trainers have good timing. Knowing how and when to challenge the dog, and when to back off, is the difference between success and failure in dog training. We get to that level through experience, and by becoming experts in reading canine body language.
Dogs are honest creatures. They aren’t capable of lying. That’s why we love them so much. They’re amazing, innocent animals. If a dog is scared, it’s easy to tell. Just like if the dog is happy and confident. Body language is the secret to reading, and understanding dogs. What is the dog’s body telling you as the owner, handler, or trainer? Is the tail tucked or wagging? Are the ears pinned forwards or backwards? Are the shoulders high and back, or slumped inwards and down?
How does the dog move through novel environments? Does the dog pull on leash or bark at other dogs? Will the dog confidently jump into a lake? What does the dog’s body look like when you pull out a ball or toy?
There are many ways to gauge a dog’s comfort level, confidence, and state of mind during training or when working through novel environments. Prioritizing your relationship with your dog, defining clear expectations, and communicating fluently will make you an expert in reading, understanding, and communicating with your dog.
Get in contact with the team at Dynamic Canine Solutions and schedule a consultation to see what dog training program would work best for you and your dog.
