Training Tips
All Dogs Need to be Trained 
Dogs, like people, are not born knowing how to behave. For example, puppies are not born speaking English, knowing that they are only supposed to go potty outside, or that they should not chew your shoes. They need to be taught, and it takes time, consistency and patience. For a fascinating and funny overview of dog training, click here to hear world renowned expert Dr. Ian Dunbar explain how dogs need to learn English as a second languag.
Nothing in Life Is Free
One of the most important things to teach northern breed dogs is that they must earn the good things, like food, treats, walks, toys, playtime, etc. The NILIF, or Nothing in Life is Free method, is an excellent way to instill your leadership into the dogs in your household. One of our volunteers wrote a short article explaining how to implement this method - please read it and feel free to pass it on to others.
Online Training Videos
These short training videos are a great way to learn how to teach your dog new commands.
Controlling Mouthing Controlling Puppy Chewing Crate Training Puppy Housetraining House Training
Weekly Audio Training Tips
HelpingFido.com offers great weekly audio training tips. Sign up to get them, and also listen to their archive of training tips. They offer excellent advice and are good at pointing out common mistakes.
It's Me or the Dog
We are big fans of this popular Animal Planet show, and love
the positive training that is used. Read about the show, see when episodes will air (and sign up for email reminders). The show covers a wide variety of issues and trainer Victoria Stillwell does a great job of explaining and demonstrating how to establish yourself as the leader over your dog using positive trianing methods.
Physical Punishment - to use, or not to use?
As an organization, Harnessed to Hope Northern Breed Rescue uses positive reinforcement training methods, and avoids physical punishment as much as possible. We believe that it's best for both the dog and owner to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Also, northern breeds need strong, stable leaders who can keep cool heads and maintain order. Here are a few articles that discuss how using punishment can contribute to problems:
Punishment: How Not to Do It Recipe to Ruin a Good Dog Punishment: Problems & Principles for Effective Use
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's Position on Punishment
Crate Training
One of the most important things you can do for your new dog, regardless of how old it is, is to crate train it. This short video clip provides a great explanation of how to crate train a dog.
Using Kongs
Kongs are a great durable dog toy, and great crate training aids. Most dogs love peanut butter, and it's easy to spread inside a Kong. A peanut butter filled Kong is a great incentive to keep a dog happy int its crate. You can also put biscuits, banana chips and other treats to the Kong to keep it interesting. You can go to the Kong company's web site and click on Tips and Advice to figure out what size of Kong to get for your dog, look at the user guide booklet, and find Kong stuffing recipes.
Controlling Mouthiness
Dogs like to glom and play chew on each other, but human skin is a lot more fragile then a dog's hide and fur. Pups and dogs need to be taught to be gentle with their mouths when playing with people. This short article explains how puppies usually learn to be gentle with their mouths, and explains how you can help teach your pup or dog. This short video clip provides a great example of how to handle this issue.
Articles by Dr. Ian Dunbar: Veterinarian, Animal Behaviorist, and Author.
Retreat 'n Treat Lure Reward Training Chew Toy List Body Language
BEFORE You Get Your Puppy Basic Instinct The Key to Kibble AFTER You Get Your Puppy
Puppy Biting Puppy Training New Puppy New Adult Dog Hyper Dog Housetraining
Home Alone Fighting With Dogs Fear of People Excessive Barking Dogs and Children
Digging Problems Destructive Chewing Come Sit Down Stay
More Resources
Below are some more resources that provide exellent training information.
Denver Dumb Friends League - dog training tips I Don't Have Time to Train...Oh, Yes You Do!
Training Articles by Suzanne Clothier Iams Online Puppy Training Videos
Child Proofing Your Dog Animal Behavior Associates, Inc. MySmartPuppy.com - online videos
Animal Behavior Resources Institute, Inc. (videos, podcasts and articles)
Workshops and Classes
Montgomery County, Maryland - Your Dog's Friend is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Montgomery County that offers free services, such as advice before you choose your dog, after you bring home your new pet, and when you have questions about your dog's behavior. They also provide referrals to trainers and pet sitters.
Do You Need Help For Your Dog's Behavior Problem?
If you would like to see if our volunteers can provide some helpful information for your dog's behavior problem, please email our behavior group or fill out our behavior help request form.
