Proper Pups

If you give me every tool in the world, I still can’t build a house.

Dog training is a bit like that.

The tools can help. They can make things clearer, easier or safer in the right situation.

But the tool is never the training.

Whether it’s a regular leash, slip lead, flexi, prong collar or anything else, the important part is that the dog understands what’s being asked and the person using it knows how and why they’re using it.

Training > Tools.

The tools are part of the process. The training is what matters.

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If there’s one constant in dog training, it’s patience.

Some dogs pick things up quickly. Others need more time.

Sometimes you’re working on leash manners, sometimes recall, engagement, confidence or simply helping a dog make a better decision.

No two dogs are exactly the same, so the training can’t be exactly the same either.

You adjust. You problem solve. You give them time to process. And you work with the dog in front of you.

Patience doesn’t mean having no expectations either. Once a dog understands what’s being asked, there still needs to be consistency and follow-through.

But rushing the process rarely helps.

Different dogs. Different challenges. Same requirement, patience.

And occasionally… a nap 😂



Be honest… what does your dog test your patience with the most? 😂

One of the easiest habits to accidentally teach your dog is that the first command doesn’t really matter.

“Sit… sit… sit… SIT!”

I’d much rather ask once, give the dog a moment to actually process what I’ve asked, and then follow through if needed.

There’s a big difference between giving a dog time to think and repeatedly asking until they eventually decide to do it.

And once they know the command, accountability matters too.

Say it once. Give them a chance to process. Then follow through.

Do you catch yourself repeating commands with your dog? 😂

One of the most common things I hear is, “He knows the command, he just chooses not to listen outside.”

The reality is that dogs don’t automatically understand that something they’ve learned in the living room applies everywhere else.

If your dog can sit perfectly in the kitchen but completely ignores you on a busy sidewalk, you may simply have increased the difficulty too quickly.

Take a step back, find a quieter environment and build up the distance, movement and distractions gradually. Make sure your dog is succeeding before making the exercise harder.

Does your dog listen better inside or outside?

If you’re in North County and this sounds familiar, feel free to send me a message and tell me what’s going on.

David
Proper Pups

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I think people sometimes get far too caught up in arguing over which dog training tool, technique or method is the “right” one.

The reality is that dogs are individuals. Something that works brilliantly for one dog may make absolutely no sense to another.

That doesn’t mean the rules or expectations constantly change. They still need to be clear and consistent. It simply means the way we help each dog understand them may need to change.

Good training starts with looking at the dog in front of you, rather than automatically reaching for the same answer every time.

If you’re in North County and feel like you’ve tried everything but still aren’t getting anywhere with your dog, feel free to message me or text/call me on (858) 401-2875 and tell me what’s going on.

David
Proper Pups

Teething and puppy biting are often treated as the same thing, but they’re not.

A teething puppy has a genuine need to chew while their adult teeth are developing. Providing appropriate chews proactively and managing access to furniture, shoes and other tempting objects can help meet that need.

Puppy biting is different. This is when a puppy uses their teeth on people, hands or clothing—often because they’re overexcited, frustrated, overtired or trying to get attention.

I don’t recommend immediately handing the puppy a toy after they bite. If biting consistently makes a toy or interaction appear, the puppy may learn that biting is what starts the fun.

Instead, calmly interrupt the behavior, remove access or attention, allow the puppy to reset and then reward the calm behavior you want.

And don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. An overtired puppy is often a very bitey puppy!

What puppy behavior has been the hardest for you? 🐶