Who’s in Charge: You or Your Dog?

As a new trainer at Byron Gundogs, I’ve had the pleasure of working with numerous retrievers and their owners. One common theme I encounter is the question of control: who’s really in charge, you or your dog?

Much like children, dogs thrive under clear guidance and boundaries. A well-behaved dog is not only a joy to be around but also a testament to effective training.

Let’s delve into three fundamental aspects of control you should try and train early while your dog is still a puppy: Sit and Stay, Walking to Heel, and Recall. 

1. Sit and Stay

A solid “sit” and “stay” command forms the foundation of good behaviour. When your dog’s bottom is on the ground, it’s stationary, allowing you to maintain control. 

Training Exercise: Teaching Sit and Stay 

- Introduce the Command: Begin in a distraction-free environment. Hold your hand near your dog’s nose, then move it upwards, encouraging them to follow with their head while their bottom naturally lowers into a sitting position. As they sit, say “sit” clearly and reward them with praise. 

- Establish Stay: Once your dog masters “sit,” introduce “stay.” Ask your dog to sit, then open your palm towards them and say “stay.” Take a step back. If they remain seated, return and reward them. Gradually increase the distance and duration. 

- Consistency is Key: Practice regularly, gradually introducing distractions to ensure reliability. 

A dog that understands “sit” and “stay” is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviours, providing safety and control in various situations. 

2. Walking to Heel

If your dog pulls on the lead, they’re dictating the walk, not you. Proper heelwork ensures you’re leading, reducing the likelihood of poor decisions made by the dog. 

Training Exercise: Teaching Heelwork

- Start Indoors: Begin in a quiet space. With your dog on a lead, hold your hand at your waist to guide them beside you. As you walk, use the command “heel.” When they maintain position, praise them. 

- Address Pulling: If your dog pulls ahead, stop walking. Wait until they return to your side before proceeding. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t result in forward movement. 

- Gradual Progression: Once consistent indoors, move to outdoor settings with more distractions, maintaining the same techniques. 

Effective heelwork not only showcases control but also enhances the walking experience for both you and your dog. 

3. Recall

A reliable recall is crucial for safety. Whether preventing your dog from darting into traffic or approaching unknown animals, coming when called can be life-saving. 

Training Exercise: Building a Strong Recall

- Positive Associations: Use a happy tone when calling your dog. Start in a confined area, crouch down, open your arms, and say “come.” Reward them generously when they respond. 

- Use of Long Lines: In open spaces, employ a long training line to allow freedom while maintaining control. Call your dog periodically, rewarding successful returns. 

- Avoid Negative Associations: Never call your dog for something they perceive as negative, like ending playtime. Ensure coming to you is always a positive experience. 

Consistent recall training ensures you can trust your dog off-lead, knowing they’ll return promptly when called. 

Self-Reflection: Who’s in Control?

Reflect on your daily interactions with your dog. Are they responding to commands consistently, or do they often dictate the terms? Consistency, patience, and clear leadership are key in establishing and maintaining control. 

By focusing on these foundational aspects—Sit and Stay, Walking to Heel, and Recall—you’ll foster a relationship where you lead with confidence, and your dog follows with trust.