7 Lessons From Training 3,000+ Dogs

Most people think dog training is all about rewards.

It’s not.

Treats help, but they don’t build lasting obedience.

Structure, consistency, and leadership do.

After working with over 3,000 dogs, I’ve learned what really makes a difference.

Here are seven key lessons every dog owner should know:

1. A Dog Follows Clear Direction

If you don’t provide it, they’ll make their own rules. Dogs thrive on structure-without it, chaos takes over. Your job is to guide, not just react.

2. Timing is Everything

Reinforce good behavior the moment it happens. A second too late, and the dog won’t connect the action to the reward (or correction).

Precision makes training faster and more effective.

3. Simple Beats Complicated

Fancy tricks mean nothing if your dog won’t come when called. Master the basics first-sit, down, recall, leash walking. A reliable dog is far more valuable than a showy one.

4. Confidence Transfers

A nervous handler creates a nervous dog. If you hesitate, they will too. If you panic, they will escalate. Calm, confident leadership makes all the difference.

5. Repetition Builds Reliability

A dog doesn’t “know” a command after five tries. True training is about consistent practice over time. If you want a solid recall or a reliable sit-stay, put in the reps.

6. Human Emotions Don’t Train Dogs

Guilt, frustration, or sympathy won’t teach a dog what’s right or wrong. Clear, consistent feedback does. Keep emotions out of the equation and focus on communication.

7. Leadership is Earned

Dogs don’t follow requests-they follow leaders. Leadership isn’t about dominance. It’s about consistency, clarity, and setting boundaries. If you don’t lead, your dog will fill the gap.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with training, chances are it’s not about the dog-it’s about how you’re leading. Training isn’t just about commands; it’s about relationship, trust, and consistency.

Which of these lessons do you need to focus on most? Comment down below ⬇️

-Marc Windgassen

No Drive… No Joy

Stop Your Dog from Jumping – Fast and Easy Fixes

Your dog keeps jumping on you, guests, or strangers? Annoying, right? The good news is, you can stop this fast without yelling, shoving, or getting frustrated.

Here’s how to fix it step by step:

1. Reward Sitting Instead of Jumping

Dogs jump to get attention. But what if they learned sitting gets them what they want instead?

✔️ When your dog sits, reward them with food, a toy, or praise.

✔️ Ignore jumping. Zero attention, no eye contact, no petting.

✔️ Be consistent. Reward sitting every single time.

Your dog will figure it out:

Sitting = attention.

Jumping = nothing.

2. Ignore & Step Forward

✔️ If your dog jumps, don’t react. No words, no eye contact.

✔️ Take a small step forward into them.

✔️ This throws them off balance. And dogs hate losing balance.

✔️ Without a reward, they’ll drop the habit fast.

3. Use a Leash Correction

If your dog is on a leash and jumps, use a quick leash correction:

✔️ A gentle sideways tug. Just enough to interrupt the behavior.

✔️ This isn’t about punishing the dog. It’s about breaking the pattern.

✔️ Follow up by rewarding calm behavior.

4. Step on the Leash

✔️ If your dog jumps, they shouldn’t be able to launch up freely.

✔️ Keep the leash short enough so that when they try to jump, they feel resistance.

✔️ They’ll self-correct because jumping stops being fun.

5. Catch & Reward Good Behavior

✔️ Notice your dog sitting calmly without being told? Reward them!

Dogs repeat what works for them. Make sitting their best option.

Final Thoughts: Stay Consistent

✔️ Reward what you want ✅
✔️ Ignore what you don’t ❌

Dogs are simple. If jumping stops getting them what they want, they’ll quit. If sitting gets them all the rewards? That’s what they’ll choose.

Stick with it. You’ll see results fast.

Need More Help? Want expert guidance? Book a session and get your dog trained right.

Marc Windgassen
No Drive... No Joy

Top 5 Laziest Dog Breeds

Ever dreamt of a dog that loves lounging around as much as you do? Whether you're a busy professional or simply someone who enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle, having a low-energy dog can be a perfect match. Let's take a fun look at the top five laziest dog breeds that will happily join you in your laid-back approach to life.

1. The Basset Hound

The Basset Hound, often mistaken for a furry pillow, is notorious for its relaxed demeanor. This breed seems almost allergic to movement, seamlessly blending into its surroundings. You might even forget you have a Basset Hound until it starts howling like an opera singer, reminding you of its presence.

Pros:

• Low exercise needs

• Great for apartment living

• Affectionate and good with kids

Cons:

• Prone to obesity

• Can be stubborn during training

• Loud howling can be disruptive

2. The English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is the epitome of a couch potato. Unless it's absolutely necessary, this breed prefers to remain stationary. English Bulldogs get out of breath just from jumping off the couch and making a short dash to their food bowl.

Pros:

• Low energy, perfect for a relaxed lifestyle

• Gentle and good with children

• Minimal grooming needs

Cons:

• Prone to health issues (breathing problems, hip dysplasia)

• Can be stubborn and difficult to train

• Requires a controlled diet to prevent weight gain

3. The Great Dane

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy. After a brief burst of activity, like a game of tug-of-war, these gentle giants are ready to fall asleep again. Watching a Great Dane respond to commands in slow motion is quite a sight, and their calm nature makes them perfect for a laid-back household.

Pros:

• Gentle and friendly nature

• Good with children and other pets

• Protective without being aggressive

Cons:

• Requires a lot of space due to their size

• Short lifespan (average 7-10 years)

• Prone to health issues like bloat and hip dysplasia

4. The English Mastiff

The English Mastiff may be a guardian breed, but don't be fooled by its imposing size and bark. Weighing in at over 200 pounds, this dog prefers lounging to leaping. When there's nothing to bark at or protect, the English Mastiff enjoys nothing more than a good, long nap.

Pros:

• Calm and gentle demeanor

• Protective and loyal

• Minimal exercise needs

Cons:

• Requires a lot of space due to their size

• Drooling can be excessive

• Short lifespan (average 6-10 years)

5. The St. Bernard

Known for their heroic rescues in the Swiss Alps, St. Bernards are surprisingly lazy when off-duty. These massive dogs are more than happy to lounge around the house all day if given the chance. Motivating a St. Bernard to exercise can be a challenge, as they are content being giant, furry couch potatoes.

Pros:

• Gentle and patient with children

• Protective and loyal

• Low exercise needs for their size

Cons:

• Requires a lot of space due to their size

• Prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and heart problems

• Drooling can be excessive

Conclusion

If you're looking for a furry friend to match your laid-back lifestyle, any of these five breeds will fit the bill. Whether it's the charming Basset Hound, the laid-back English Bulldog, the gentle Great Dane, the docile English Mastiff, or the relaxed St. Bernard, each of these breeds brings their own unique charm to a lazy day at home. Just remember, even the laziest dogs need some exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Top 5 Things You Need to Teach Your Dog

Training a dog can seem overwhelming, but focusing on a few key areas can make a world of difference. Here are the top five things you need to teach your dog to ensure a well-behaved, happy, and healthy companion.

1. Engagement

Engagement is the cornerstone of all dog training. If your dog isn't interested in being around you, training becomes much more challenging. Engagement means making yourself the most exciting thing in your dog’s world. Play games like fetch and tug of war, call your dog to you frequently, and reward them with treats and praise. By doing fun activities together, your dog will naturally want to stay close and pay attention to you, making training much easier.

2. Crate Training

Crate training is essential for several reasons. It aids in potty training, prevents problem behaviors, and helps avoid separation anxiety. A crate provides structure and routine, making it easier for your dog to understand what is expected. Additionally, a crate ensures your dog’s safety when you can't supervise them, preventing them from chewing on dangerous items or getting into trouble. Think of it like a crib or playpen for a child—it's a safe space for them when you can’t be there to watch over them.

3. Loose Leash Walking

Teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash is crucial for enjoyable walks. Your dog doesn't need to walk in a perfect heel position but should be able to walk calmly without pulling, dragging, or crisscrossing in front of you. Loose leash walking makes outings pleasant and safe for both you and your dog, reducing stress and potential injuries.

4. Socialization

Proper socialization is about exposing your dog to various environments, people, and other dogs in a controlled manner. It doesn't mean your dog needs to interact with every person or dog they meet, but they should be able to remain calm and indifferent to different stimuli. This helps your dog become environmentally neutral, ignoring distractions and focusing on you. A well-socialized dog is more confident and less likely to develop behavioral issues.

5. Basic Obedience

Basic obedience commands like sit, down, stand, come, and heel are fundamental. These commands form the foundation for good behavior and are essential for your dog’s safety. Basic obedience makes life easier for you, your vet, your groomer, and anyone else who interacts with your dog. Consistent training in these areas ensures your dog understands what is expected and behaves appropriately in various situations.

By focusing on these five key areas—engagement, crate training, loose leash walking, socialization, and basic obedience—you'll have a well-rounded, well-behaved dog. Training takes time and patience, but the effort is worth it for a happy and harmonious relationship with your furry friend.

New Podcast Episode! Discover the Force-Free Dilemma with Nicola Ferguson!

The Dogpoint Podcast Episode 11

We're excited to bring you a brand-new episode of The Dogpoint Podcast! 🎙️

In Episode 11, we have a special guest from the UK, Nicola Ferguson, who is the author of "The Force Free Dilemma."📚 Nicola is an experienced dog trainer specializing in Rottweilers and other large, high-drive breeds. She shares her insights on the force-free training debate, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to handle high-drive dogs effectively.

Highlights from this episode:

• Introduction to Nicola Ferguson: Learn about Nicola's journey in dog training and her passion for working with high-drive breeds.

• The Force-Free Training Debate: Understand the pros and cons of force-free training and why Nicola believes balanced training is crucial for certain dogs.

• Real-Life Stories: Hear compelling stories about dogs that were saved through balanced training methods.

• Practical Tips: Get practical advice on how to train high-drive dogs and ensure their safety and happiness.

🎧 Listen to Episode 11 now!

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. Nicola's insights are sure to spark some thoughts and perhaps even a few debates! Don't forget to share your thoughts with us on our social media channels.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

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