Force Free Dog Training Quotes

“When the dog is allowed to look at what he wants or needs to look at (with reorienting to his handler as part of the rule structure), you get the best of both worlds. You free the dog from any possible conflict between being compliant and making sure things are okay. And ultimately the dog is rewarded for attending to you.”
― Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog

“CU operates within my philosophy of getting the best of both worlds. Training is a dance with two partners. You must meet your dog's needs in order to get the performance you want from him. Dogs need to sniff. Dogs need to greet other dogs. Dogs need to look at things. Dogs need to be normal. The CU exercises offer a structure in which the dogs can be dogs and still learn to be focused, working partners with you. You do not have to sacrifice your dog's "dogness" to create a great performance partner.”
― Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog

“I've seen people get so upset when their dog sniffs the ground. If a dog is sniffing instead of paying attention, it's time to rethink your training plan, not to correct your dog. If your dog is sniffing, is he distracted? Is he stressed? Is he just done for the moment? Dogs have good reasons for sniffing.”
― Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog

“Whenever I train a dog who needs nep wads anon, use what I call the Give Me a Break rule structure. Give Me a Break is about giving the dog frequent breaks (using what I call the "quick dismissal") from short, highly rewarding, training sessions and then resuming the session as a reward for the dog's choosing to ask, "Can we keep working?" The goal is to increase the dog's attention and eagerness to work with you. Give Me a Break is simple and powerful.”
― Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog

“Can you see how this technique will take pressure off a dog that stresses as opposed to forcing a dog to keep training that instead wants to sniff and disengage? Which style is going to help the dog learn better? Which one will teach handler focus faster?
One way, you are demanding the dog continue working while his mind is drifting away. The other way, the dog is demanding that he continue working.”
― Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog