Dog Training Tips that Work on your Boss

As a responsible pet owner I have enrolled in several obedience classes for dogs that I have owned. The first thing they teach in those classes is that the training isn’t for the dog it’s for the owner. No matter what method, the basic principle is: Learn to be the leader and the dog will follow.

Then I realized the most surprising thing. Dog training doesn’t just apply to dogs it applies to people too.  If you take the lead, people are likely to follow as well. Use these tips from dog trainers and see how obedient your boss will become.

Look at me – It seems so simple that it’s easy to forget. If you make eye contact with your dog or your boss they will know you mean what you are saying. For a dog you bring their glance up with a treat. If face time isn’t enough to capture your boss’s gaze it can be redirected with a subtle hand motion near your head. Adjust glasses, tap your temple, or rub your eyebrow and their eyes will naturally follow the movement.

Say it once – Many pet owners say a command and when their pet doesn’t react immediately hey repeat themselves. Then they do it again, and again which trains the dog to expect to be told over and over. Give your boss a chance to react to requests before repeating them. They will be grateful you gave them time to think about it instead of provoking a snap decision based on nagging.

Show some love –Positive reinforcement isn’t just about treats. Dogs and bosses both like to be told they are doing a good job. A pet behind the ears and a pat on the back can go a long way in getting the end results you want. Make sure you mean it though because you don’t need to be a bloodhound to know that brownnosing stinks.

Timing is everything – Dog trainers will tell you that timing your training right will increase your success rate. If you work with your dog after it’s had a chance to release some energy it will be more likely to pay attention. Similarly, if you approach your boss after they’ve had a chance to get settled for the day they will be more likely to react favorably.

Be consistent – Show your dog and your boss that you will not waiver in your work. If your level-headed reaction doesn’t differ when certain situations repeat themselves, your boss will know where you stand without having to wonder.

Clarity counts – Don’t jumble the message you’re trying to get across, be clear and concise. If you want a dog to sit say “Sit” there’s no need to add the word “Down.” Most likely that is another command used to signal dog’s not to jump up on people. Clouding your requests with extra words might muddle what your boss thinks you want. Trim the fat and use as few words as possible.

Don’t say don’t – Dogs don’t understand negative words like “no” or “not” they just hear what follows that’s why using positive language or an unappealing sound works better getting them to change their behavior. You don’t want to make buzzer noises at your boss so focus on refining your phrases.  Change “We can’t do it that way” to “We could do it this way.”

Assert yourself as a pack leader and get results. Once your boss has learned obedience take it home and try these dog training techniques on your spouse and kids.