Get Connected with Your Dog: Emphasizing the Relationship While Training Your Dog

Are you connected with your dog?
Getting connected with your dog is the key to building a relationship in which learning can flourish and the needs of both the dog and the owner are met. Relationships are built on communication, so having a common language that both sides can understand is of paramount importance. Luckily, dogs are masters of body language and you can learn to utilize movement and other kinds of body language to help build an effective communications loop with your dog.

Once you know how to communicate with your dog, that knowledge combined with positive training techniques can make you a much more effective trainer. And your dog will become a willing partner, one who trusts you and is willing to work with you to learn behaviors. Over time, your dog will flip the Magic Switch and begin to use the thinking part of his brain (the Frontbrain) more often than just the reactive part of his brain (the Hindbrain). And you will have achieved a huge step forward in your ability to train and interact with your canine companions!

Learn how to

• Use subtle body language your dog can understand to direct or redirect your dog s movements.
• Be consistent and coherent in your interactions with your dogs.
• Mark and reinforce behaviors you want to encourage.
• Use exercises shown in the accompanying DVD to build you skill and confidence as a trainer.

Author Brenda Aloff is a professional dog trainer specializing in problem behavior. Brenda teaches puppy socialization, fundamentals of competition obedience, conformation, tracking, musical freestyle, and agility classes at Heaven On Arf Behavior and Training center in Midland, Michigan where she lives. She is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, and The International Association of Dog Behavior Counselors. Brenda travels all over the United States giving talks on canine aggression and learning theory. She is the author of Aggression in Dogs; Practical Management, Prevention & Behavior Modification, Canine Body Language; A Photographic Guide, and Positive Reinforcement; Training Dogs in the Real World.

Author Brenda Aloff is a professional dog trainer specializing in problem behavior. Brenda teaches puppy socialization, fundamentals of com¬petition obedience, conformation, tracking, musical freestyle, and agility classes at Heaven On Arf Behavior and Training center in Midland, Michigan where she lives. She is a member of The Asso¬ciation of Pet Dog Trainers, The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, and The International Association of Dog Behavior Counselors. Brenda travels all over the United States giving talks on canine aggression and learning theory. She is the author of Aggression in Dogs; Practical Management, Prevention & Behavior Modification, Canine Body Language; A Photographic Guide, and Positive Reinforcement; Training Dogs in the Real World.