Management Skills are the Goal to Training Dogs: Use SMART Goals

The Goals you set as training goals for your dog have to be SMART Goals as per Management Language.

S: Specific

M: Measurable

A: Achievable

R: Relevant

T: Time-bound

When your training command makes no sense to your dog, he reacts like smart soldier. Read the joke below to understand the matter of un-SMART Goals that are NOT acceptable.

There’s an old joke about obedience from Readers Digest “Humour in Uniform” that relates exactly to the mindset of dogs–no mockery is intended towards anyone of any nationality.

Once upon a time before the 2nd World War–USA, UK, Germany and Soviet Union were having a joint naval exercise. One of the activities was the display of obedience.

On a naval ship 4 Seamen were commanded by their respective commanders to climb a 100 feet high mast and jump from there on to the deck.

First, the German. Climbed the mast, made a Heil Hitler cry and gesture, jumped down and died.

Next, the Russian. Climbed, cried “Slava KPSS!” (Glory to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union!), jumped and broke all his bones.

Next, the British. Climbed, cried “Long live the King”, jumped and ended up with the same fate.

Lastly, the American. Rolled his eyes and uttered, “You out of your mind sir?” Didn’t climb.

That’s your dog for you. Your command has to be meaningful and mutually beneficial. The goals you set for him have to be SMART.

The dogs you see here are– my senior male dog and the new male puppy. The big dog wanted to eat the puppy alive for months and I turned that into harmless play. I made peace between them, but President Trump is said to be claiming credit for that!