Last Updated on March, 2023
We all love to care for our dogs. But, a part of that love is making sure that they know the difference between right and wrong. You can achieve that with the help of excellent puppy training. Doggy Dan’s training methods are something that can help with this.
Most are already familiar with Doggy Dan because of his reputation as a great online dog trainer. Yet, if you’re curious about his online dog training program and the famous Doggy Dan 5 golden rules, we’re here to help out.
While we aren’t allowed to discuss the specifics of these rules, we can give you a better understanding of how they help. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The 5 Golden Rules of Doggy Dan’s Dog Training Program
Throughout all the videos featured in this training program, the five golden rules are the pillars through which every detail is taught. If you’re wondering what these rules are, here’s what you need to know about them.
1. Show That You Can Handle Any Danger
Doggy Dan’s dog training program focuses on aspects of alpha training. This is the type of dog training in which you cement your role as the leader. You make sure that your dog obeys you no matter what. (1)
A great way to establish your role as the “alpha” of the pack is to show you can handle any danger. The best way to do this is by showing composure and a lack of reaction in stressful situations.
Say, for example, that your dog is acting up during potty training or during walks. If the dog starts behaving aggressively, do not show any sudden reactions. Instead, show that you’re angry in the most subtle of ways. For example, do not scream back, shout, or punish the dog in any way.
This will give it the idea that you aren’t having any of its nonsense. When it comes to discipline, things go as you say, and there isn’t any compromise. The dog will pick up on this and begin respecting your authority. That way, he’ll also stop stepping out of line.
2. Emphasize Your Control Over Food
As the dog owner and “alpha of the wolf pack,” it’s your job to provide food for both yourself and your little buddy. Thus, ensuring complete control over food is another aspect of this online dog training program.
Now, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. This doesn’t mean you should be starving your dog on certain days. But, what it does mean, is that you should assert dominance by eating before the dog.
When your dog is in a room with you, grab something to eat. Then, finish eating your snack in front of the dog. Don’t listen to any pleading from the dog either.
Instead, finish eating whatever you’re eating and give the dog his fair share afterward. Repeat this a few times, and it’ll help you gain the dog’s respect in no time.
3. Dog Owners Aren’t the One Being Walked
An essential part of the five golden rules is ensuring that you aren’t the one being walked. You guessed it. This is another thing that helps to establish healthy dominance.
When owners and their dogs are outside, one is being walked while the other is walking. So you have to make sure that you’re the latter, and your dog is the former.
Your dog might try to get ahead of you and go wherever he pleased during your little outings. Show him that this won’t stand. While he is free to get excited and enjoy little things, that is only the case when you allow it.
Always take the lead and never fall behind. This doesn’t mean that you should resort to violent leash pulling or walk much faster than the dog can. Maintain average walking speeds and account for the little guy’s little legs too.
That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your walks together to the fullest. On top of that, you’ll also be making sure that your dog knows you’re the pack leader.
4. Ignore Your Dog After Separation
Out of all the training methods and five golden rules, this one can be the most difficult to follow through. To control dog behavior, ignore them for a little while after separation. (2)
This doesn’t mean that you should completely neglect your dog. That’d be horrible for the dog’s growth and will lead to issues like resentment and a lack of trust. Instead, go around your business for a while after returning home.
After a few minutes have passed, you can go to the dog and start playing around with it. This isn’t something that you’ll have to repeat every single time, either. Instead, it is a way to control dog behavior issues. (3)
You only have to do so for a week or two, depending on the dogs in question. Additionally, try to convince other human family members to do the same with you.
Remember that this isn’t something you should try on a dog with separation anxiety or an abusive background. It could trigger a horrible reaction which no dog owner wants for their furry friend.
Dogs with issues such as those before mentioned won’t handle ignorance well and might throw a fit. Some might even develop a depressed attitude.
Instead of doing something like this, follow the other rules instead. This also applies to other training programs that might be harmful to dogs of this kind. Never focus on anything over their health.
For those worried about trying this method on dogs without these issues, consider Doggy Dan’s a famous dog trainer for a reason. Not only that but the New Zealand SPCA also approves his dog training course and these five golden rules.
They’re safe to try out on any dog other than those with separation-related issues and a traumatic past. Remember not to overdo it with any dog, regardless of whether they have these problems.
5. Fairly Dictate Dog Behavior
The last remaining step taught on Doggy Dan’s online dog training website is a simple one. Every owner should make sure that they rule.
While dogs will accept you as the pack leader, they won’t keep believing that for long if you’re cruel. So always make sure to reward them for doing good, but never spoil the dog.
For example, if he does a good job learning a simple trick, give the little guy a few supportive and loving words. But, when he does something awe-inspiring, make sure to let him know that by giving the good boy a special treat.
The best way to deal with dog problems is by making sure you let them know what they’re doing is a problem. Then, when you treat them with little or big things for doing good and frown upon them for doing wrong, they’ll find that out.
This is positive reinforcement training, and it works wonders with a majority of dogs. But, since this online dog training course focuses on pack mentality, remember that dogs respect and follow fair leaders.
Being fair also means that you have to find a way to punish them. Mental, verbal, and physical harm are never options. (4)
Don’t try to punish your dog with any of those. Instead, use expressions. Teach them certain words which they know are reprimanding. Then, ignore them for a little while when they do bad things.
Use all this, and dogs will drop their problematic behaviors soon after. Besides, once you follow this rule and all others, your role as the pack leader will be solidified.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap for what the five golden rules Doggy Dan teaches to their learners. The article above covers all the main things that each rule tries to teach.
They’re popular among dog owners for how helpful they are. Study and practice each rule as explained, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to do the same for you.
FAQs
REFERENCES:
- https://dogtime.com/reference/dog-training/48563-alpha-dog-myth-dominance-training-mistreatment
- https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/does-your-dog-freak-out-when-you-leave
- https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-behaviorial-problems-in-dogs
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/why-punishment-should-be-avoided
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