It’s About Communication -By Student Brie Munsterteiger
When most people think about dog training, they imagine a well-behaved pup sitting quietly, responding to sit, stay, and come without hesitation. While obedience is certainly part of training, it’s not the full picture.
The truth is, dog training isn’t about control — it’s about communication: finding a way for you and your dog to speak on the same level. When we shift our mindset from control to connection, our relationships with our dogs become deeper, happier, and far more effective.
Dogs are intelligent, social creatures who thrive on structure and clear, consistent communication. Too often, training is treated as a one-way street: “I tell the dog what to do, and the dog listens.” But when training becomes only about commands, it stops being enjoyable — and we lose sight of the real goal: mutual understanding.
1️⃣ Your Dog Is Always Learning — Even When You’re Not Teaching
Dogs don’t separate “training time” from “regular time.” Every interaction — feeding, play, walks, cuddles — teaches them something. If you’re inconsistent, you might accidentally reinforce behaviors you don’t want.
Takeaway: Be mindful of what your dog is learning from you every day. Consistency builds clarity. If “off” means get off the couch today, it should mean the same tomorrow.
Pro Tips:
Use everyday moments (feeding, walks, greetings) as mini-training sessions. Ask for a “sit” before meals or before putting on the leash.
Reward calm behavior, even when you haven’t asked for it — like when they choose to rest quietly instead of pacing.
2️⃣ Behavior Is Communication
A dog that barks excessively, pulls on the leash, chews furniture, or shows aggression isn’t being “bad” — they’re communicating. The question is, are you listening?
Behavior is a reflection of your dog’s emotions and needs — boredom, fear, confusion, or frustration. Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, look for the reason behind it.
Takeaway: Understand the why behind the behavior, not just the what.
Pro Tips:
Observe body language — tail position, ears, posture, yawning, and lip licking all reveal how your dog feels.
Address needs, not just symptoms. A destructive dog might be bored or understimulated — add enrichment before correction.
3️⃣ Positive Reinforcement Builds Trust
Thankfully, dog training has evolved away from dominance-based methods. Modern training focuses on positive reinforcement — rewarding the behaviors we want instead of punishing those we don’t.
This approach is more effective, more humane, and builds deep trust. A dog that feels safe and understood will want to learn from you.
Takeaway: Let trust be the foundation of your training.
Pro Tips:
Use high-value rewards — find what your dog truly loves (chicken, cheese, toys, or play).
Keep sessions short and upbeat (5–10 minutes). Short bursts prevent frustration and keep learning fun.
Celebrate progress — reward small wins to build confidence and motivation.
4️⃣ Training Is a Lifelong Journey
Dogs, like people, never stop learning. Their environment and needs change over time, and your training should evolve with them.
Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Reinforce skills, introduce new ones, and enjoy quality time together.
Takeaway: Training is ongoing maintenance for your relationship.
Pro Tips:
Revisit the basics regularly — dogs can forget without practice.
Practice in new settings to build focus and adaptability. Start indoors, then progress to busier spaces like the backyard or park.
5️⃣ Every Dog Is an Individual
There’s no one-size-fits-all training method. Every dog has a unique personality, background, and learning style.
What works for one may not work for another — and that’s okay. Be flexible and adjust your approach based on your dog’s pace, breed tendencies, and comfort level.
Takeaway: Tailor training to your dog, not a template.
Pro Tips:
Some dogs need more repetition; others catch on quickly.
Work with breed tendencies — herding breeds may struggle with stillness, scent hounds may follow their nose first.
Modify your strategy when needed, but don’t lower your expectations.
💬 Final Thoughts: Train With Empathy
At its core, training is about building a shared language — a bridge between human and dog. It’s not about forcing obedience; it’s about helping your dog thrive in a human world that can sometimes feel confusing.
When we train with empathy, patience, and consistency, we don’t just teach dogs how to behave — we show them they’re safe, understood, and loved.
And that’s the heart of every great partnership.