Dog Training Tips

Doron Zohar offers positive reinforcementbased dog training through ADZK9S.

Doron Zohar of ADZK9S offers three tips to help train your pup basic commands with positive reinforcement.

oron Zohar is the owner of ADZK9S, a local business that provides relationship and positive reinforcement-based dog training. ADZK9S offers board and train services for off-leash obedience training, behavioral solutions for aggressive dogs, mobility service dog training, personal protection, and also has an extensive law enforcement program. Their 13,500-square-foot facility is located on 10 acres of land with a staff of 18 who care for the dogs and ensure the facility is always clean and safe for all breeds, no matter their age or size. ADZK9S also offers private and group lessons for those who have the time to train along with their dogs.

“I was born and raised in Israel where incorporating discipline and communication is instilled from an early age,” Zohar says. “I’ve been working with dogs for 15 years now, and I am absolutely in love with seeing a dog progress and overcome challenges they were struggling with prior to training. We started this business with the sole purpose of improving dog owners' relationship with their pets. In order for one to enjoy the maximum potential of their pet, they must understand the value of proper communication. This is something that ADZK9S instills in the owners throughout our program.”

Zohar offers three tips that all dog owners can incorporate when working with their pups.

1. WORK THAT RECALL

Recall is as simple as teaching your dog what their name means with a reward process. When calling your dog’s name, we want them to understand that coming back to you doesn’t mean the fun is over, but that the fun simply rests for a moment for some affection and engagement! Start off with a long leash and call your dog’s name. Once you see the dog is paying attention to their name, start rewarding them with a positive tone and affection. This will start your foundation for a proper recall and allow for an increase in distance.

2. SIT

Most people want to talk to a dog like a child, but you have to acknowledge that your dog doesn’t understand English! Teaching a dog a position is done through repetition and positive rewarding. If a dog is forced into a position, it will cause a level of confusion that will frustrate both you and the dog. Take your time when introducing a new command and make it as simple as possible. The command response is what we want to see when a dog understands the communication. There are many ways to teach a sit. One of the easiest ways is by luring with a treat or ball. Simply stand in front of your dog, hold the lure of choice over the head and give your “sit” command. Move the lure up and away from you and toward the dog’s back. This will make the dog’s butt touch the ground to allow their head to follow the lure. Head up, butt down! Once the dog sits, reward and praise. They will quickly pick up on the learning process and you’ll be able to remove the lure and make it a command base only.

3. HEEL

A dog is always looking for leadership. The natural reaction is to heel next to us and be a part of our pace. A leading dog is usually stressed out where a slow walker tends to lack confidence. When your dog trusts you and has a proper balance of relationship and communication, you will see a dog that walks calmly on the leash and wants to be as close as possible to you. I like starting “heels” with slow steps. This allows me to catch the mistakes much faster and more singularly. Every time the dog walks in the desired spot, I’ll mark it with praise and or reward. Pay the dog for every positive behavior! I reward the dog and this speeds the process of communication and achieving a goal. Once your dog understands what is asked of him or her, you will see how much harder they will work for your approval and affection.

For more information about ADZK9S or to contact Doron about his training services, visit ADZK9S.com.