the puppy wizard

HOWE'S & WHY'S - Learning To Learn
Date: 2001-05-20 08:48:11 PST

Hello People,

Lots of us ask for the specifics of HOWE can I train my
dog to do ''XYZ."

Although the statement ''the ability to think, rationalize,
and solve problems are leaned qualities" it is in my sig file,
I suppose lots of people don't think it really applies to
their situation. Perhaps they don't really BELIEVE that it
takes practice to learn, especially when as dog trainers, so
many of us just attempt to force a behavior. As dog trainers,
we realize that dogs do not easily generalize information, but
I've found people to be even less handy at generalizing and
extrapolating on information than dogs, in many cases. I'm not
being condescending or critical, just making an honest
observation.

That's why, when I am asked by a student to teach their dog to
do "XYZ," I start them off at ''ABC," BEFORE going to the
heart of the matter of teaching ''XYZ." That puts everything
into a context for the dog to understand what we are seeking
from him, and sets the precedent for a good rapport and mutual
respect, and motivates the dog to WANT to work for me. The
preliminary exercises I teach forms the habits of following
appropriate leadership that will follow suite with a desire
for the dog to perform the ''XYZ" phase of the lesson. I never
start off addressing the problem till I've got all my ducks in
a row...

When you started learning to write in school, you started off
making scribbles on paper and earning a gold star and it was
posted on the refrigerator for all to see. The next year, you
were taught to hold a pencil correctly and practiced making
round circles and straight lines... and in a couple more
years, you are doing higher mathematics. That's developing the
ability to think, rationalize, and solve problems as you've
experienced it.

So, if a new student were to ask me to teach their dog to sit,
I couldn't do that in good faith and conscience, till I've
taken the time and put in the effort to establish a harmonious
working relationship. That's HOWE I get my dogs to ask HOWE
high, when I ask them to jump... But, if the dog begs the
question WHY, I've got to give them a better reason than
''BECAUSE I SAID SO," or "I'll TWIST YOUR EARS or FRY YOUR BUTT,"
if you don't.

In keeping with that line of thought, our rpdb regulars often
ask ME to give them the WHY's of the "XYZ's" before taking the
time and effort to learn and understand the ''ABC's."

That's why I get a lot of criticism for frequently NOT giving
a direct answer to a posters question and ''only referring
people to read" the Wits' End Dog Training Method manual. Sure
I can give you the answers, but not until you've done the
preliminary work and have an understanding of the dynamics
involved, and we are all on the same page.

You can get all the information you need to properly handle
and train your dog using non force, non confrontational,
scientific and psychological behavior modification and
conditioning techniques, from the FREE Wits' End Dog Training
Method manual.

caveat
If you have to do things to your dog to train him, that you
would rather not have to do, then you shouldn't be doing them.
If you have a dog trainer that tells you to jerk your dog
around, choke him, pinch his ears, or twist his toes, shock,
shake, slap, scold, hit, or punish him in any manner, that
corrections are appropriate, that the dog won't think of you
as the punisher, or that corrections are not harmful, or if
they can't train your dog to do what you want, look for a
trainer that knows Howe.

Sincerely, Jerry Howe,
Wits' End Dog Training
http://www.doggydoright.com
Nature, to be mastered, must be obeyed.
-Francis Bacon-

There are terrible people who, instead of solving a problem,
bungle it and make it more difficult for all who come after.
Who ever can't hit the nail on the head should, please, not
hit at all.
-Nietzsche-

The abilities to think, rationalize and solve problems are
learned qualities.

The Wits' End Dog Training Method challenges the learning
centers in the dogs brain. These centers, once challenged,
develop and continue to grow exponentially, to make him
smarter.

The Wits' End Dog Training method capitalizes on praising
split seconds of canine thought, strategy, and timing, not
mindless hours of forced repetition, constant corrections, and
scolding.
-Jerry Howe-