Is “Obey” a four-letter word?

Sometime in the last few decades, “obey” became a four-letter word. More than just numerically. It used to be a good thing when you had an obedient dog. Obedience training was expected for all dogs. There was no stigma attached – it was just what you did when you got a dog. You signed up for the local dog class – at the park district, 4-H Club, dog club. Wherever the local dog trainer held classes.

Banishing words like obey

Maybe obedience lost its luster around the same time that there was a push to change wedding vows from “love, honor, and obey” to “love, honor, and cherish.” Truthfully – it’s a better deal for women. Dogs? Yes and no.

If people truly do cherish their dogs, they give their pets the skills they need to cope with the world. Which means obedience training. It equips our dogs to behave appropriately, at home and outside. They learn what to expect and what’s expected of them. “Training” is another word that’s lost its luster. Nowadays it means something other than fun. Like exercise. 

Obey was part of the problem

Fortunately, just as the language has changed, so has obedience training over the years. The most forward-thinking trainers have discarded old force-training methods. The days of “yank and crank,” tugging on collars, or “popping” the collar to “correct” the dog are becoming a thing of the past. 

It may be that today’s dog owners, left with memories of the old ways of doing things, are at a loss. They don’t want their dogs tortured by training, but haven’t found good alternatives. They want their dogs to obey, but don’t know where to find help. It does take some research and knowing what to look for.

Trainers who advertise “fast” results are, undoubtedly, force trainers. We know many “board and train” outfits use shock collars to get their rapid results. It works – as long as the dog is wearing the collar, the batteries are charged, you have the remote, and you don’t mind torturing your dog. Terrifying a dog into behaving isn’t training.

Training isn’t torture

For us, training is play time with our dogs. It may be only a couple of minutes at a time – but it’s precious time that we spend with our dogs doing fun stuff. Sometimes we work on fitness stuff. Other times it’s skills we use in obedience, rally, or agility competition. Some days we just play with toys, or learn new tricks like putting their toys away or “tapping,” which is Torque’s absolute favorite!

Torque loves to “tap” and tries to convince Hope to do it every session!

We’re addicted to training because it’s fun. We get to play with our dogs and we all have a good time. Our dogs get excited when they get to class – they know they’re going to have fun. At home, when they see us reach for a clicker or treats, they dash for our little training area. It takes time to teach a dog – just like it takes time to teach a child. You didn’t learn to read overnight. But you did learn. Step by step. At your pace. 

There are some dogs that are “rocket scientists” at some stuff. Torque is a whiz at “sit, stand, down.” But not for anything will he “drop it!” when toys are involved. It’s an ongoing process, because that behavior is difficult for him. So we teach it in little chunks he can cope with – using less-valuable toys, trading them for more-valuable ones, or high-value treats. And when we get frustrated, we leave it be, for now. Tomorrow’s another day.

Failure to connect

There are people we haven’t been able to convince, and it makes us sad. Hope teaches the Novice Obedience Competition class for our dog club. She had an older woman in class with a lovely, 9-month-old Standard Poodle puppy. Lilly is a smart, biddable, trainable dog. But the student wasn’t willing to change the methods that she learned years ago. Hope couldn’t convince her to stop using physical corrections. So the woman found a trainer who uses corrections, and shock collars. It made us sad.

We’ve also had some wonderful victories. A current student was used to force-training. His current puppy, now 10 months old, is the softest dog he’s ever had. This dog would cringe in class, almost as if he expected to be hit. Fortunately, his owner figured out he had to change his training and his demeanor. His puppy trots along happily in class now. It’s a joy to behold.

Be comfortable where you go

When you’re looking for a trainer, class, or method of training, try to visit before you commit. You are your dog’s advocate and protector. If you don’t like what you see, walk away. If a trainer or class won’t let you observe – find another. There are lots of options – take the time to find one that suits you and your dog. 

One of the best ways to cherish our dogs is to teach them to be polite. To become Canine Good Citizens. That way, they’ll be welcome wherever they go. And your lives together will be happy ones.

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