The main reason is because we do not like the word OBEDIENCE and what it implies, the same as why we use the word CUE instead of COMMAND. Although only words they still have an association to them, as a human I would rather be asked to do something instead of told or commanded to do it. So what does the word Obedience mean, well the English Collins Dictionary has it as the following: Obedience is the practice of obeying rules or instructions from someone in authority. Seems a bit dated to me.
We are not saying that our dogs get to do whatever they want, not have boundaries, or that we do want them to do what we ask of them it is more about how we get to that point. Dogs are sentient beings but most importantly they are dogs and not humans and we must remember both these things when we train our best friends. We are communicating with another species and that means we already have a language barrier so saying SIT 15 times and getting louder or sterner is not the way forward no more than it would be going on holiday and shouting at someone whilst we try to order food in a language we have not learnt, stay with me on this! When abroad or communicating with someone who speaks a different language to us we often speak louder, slower and even put on an accent! So when all of that fails we start to use body language, we may point at an object, we may show a number of fingers to express how many we want, we nod or shake our head, we smile or frown and somehow we usually work it out. So why are we not doing this for our dogs and learning body language, learning how to get them to do something without having to consider being stern, using force/fear or pain! I am in no way saying that the word Obedience implies that unethical methods are being used I am simply explaining why we do not like the word or use it in any of our posts, even though we know it would get more people landing on our website looking for training. Oh we just have.
What can you expect at our Life skills Workshops or courses, all the usual things like Recall, Loose Lead walking, Settle, Engagement/Focus, Stays and Waits, Enrichment, Pattern Games and so much more and yes we even teach a SIT if you want. Life Skills is all about ensuring that we and our dogs can work it out together, build that bond and trust, live side by side within the boundaries of the relationship and enjoy the precious time we have with our dogs. Dog Training is all about communication and just because we are different species does not mean we can not have a conversation with our dogs! The joy you get from seeing your dogs suddenly understand what it is you are trying to communicate to them and then guess what they offer that behaviour more because they can see it is rewarding, the joy and connection all via communication, trust and time to process what is actually being asked.
So yes Obedience and Command are just words as are Life Skills and Cue and we know which ones we prefer. So if you would like to find out more we are happy to chat or if you would like to book on then please do contact us.
For some dogs, a class environment may not always be ideal and can be stressful. Our 1-2-1 dog training sessions Read more
Our 6 week puppy course covers all the basics to get you and your pup off to a flying start. Read more
Life Skills course is a great follow on course from our puppy classes as well as a great starting point Read more
