Does He Know Better?

Don’t yell at the dog.

Don’t curse at the dog.

Don’t tell the dog he’s  just as big a dumby as you always knew he was.

Don’t be (too) embarrassed when he makes you look like a total fool in public. And don’t bother telling him he’s going to be in such big trouble when you get back home.

Ask yourself, honestly, does he know any better?

And if there is even a hint that the answer might be no, then teach him. Start all over if you have to and train the dog.

Then the next time you have to ask yourself, does he know any better? You can move forward with the confidence that he does.

Because if there is to be real clarity to your dog training converation, it can only happen if you both understand what the expectations of your relationship are.