Training Exercise Diet Discipline (TEDD)
It is our responsibility as dog owners to have a well-behaved dog. How each owner approaches that goal is a matter of individual choice. While the formula for successful training may vary with individual owners and dogs, we have found that attention to these four elements generally yields the best results.
Training. Consistency is the key. Training should be part of your everyday routine, whether it’s just you and your dog, in a formal instruction group, or in a one-on-one session with a trainer. Every activity and social interaction with people, animals, or places should be a training opportunity.
Exercise. To keep dogs healthy, happy and well-balanced requires frequent exercise for both their body and their mind. Thus, working your dog by making them follow commands while they get physical exercise is essential. Throwing the toy, or taking the dog for a walk or run is fine, but make sure there’s a mental exercise element as well.
Diet. Proper nutrition is often unique to each animal and the topic is broader than can be covered here. The key is to provide a balanced diet to avoid any weight issues.
Discipline. In this context, discipline refers to the owner’s consistent ability to apply the other three elements and especially to use correction in an appropriate way. You should be using firmness, rather than force. And correction should only be applied when the dog already knows the command being given, or is otherwise exhibiting inappropriate behavior.
Consistently applying TEDD and becoming a leader to your dog builds trust and respect and is the best way we’ve found to train a well-behaved dog.
