How Anyone Can Be a Great Dog Trainer Almost Immediately

[phototaxisable]

yes, i believe too, that you like to talk. so do i. and i also agree, that you could say it shorter, but that length kind of shows how enthusiastic you are about dogs and your job, and THAT is something amazing to see, in my opinion. :)

[MsZoraZ]

I love Zak's lengthy and verbose videos! That way I can see his thinking process in answering questions and addressing dog training videos.

I can't get enough of this guy! His enthusiasm is contagious!

[MsZoraZ]

@MsZoraZ oops, I meant "addressing dog training issues"...sorry!

[CookieT23]

their siblings and mother. But I also agree with the fact that we have raised them in our lives and they become used to interacting with us as well. So I'm always using a mixture of training methods. I might give a low growl to my dogs when they are thinking about doing something they aren't allowed to do, but I also talk to them like they are people. And always say please and thank you when asking them to do something. I think there is a happy medium between your methods and Cesar's.

[CookieT23]

I'm somewhere in the middle. I think it's great that dogs are used in all of these situations because I feel as if we will never be able to create something as accurate and as good as dogs. I believe training your dog for protection is a good idea, one more way your dog gets more training under his belt. I strongly believe though that in order to communicate with dogs we should still use some of the wolf communication, because they still know this, and are taught this through interactions with

[Leekendra1]

Lol cute dog

[FashionDiva181]

Watching Nova up there on your lap makes me miss my dog, 3 months and I'm back home to my baby boy

[minty737]

5 mins to tell me somethign you could have gotten across in 2. This is why I don't subscribe to your channel anymore - you ned to be a little more concise. Say things once, say them well, and you will not lose your audiences interest. I was bored almost from your first sentence. I relaly like your ideas, but I just cant watch the loooong talks.

[zakgeorge21]

@minty737 lol You want me to give advice to you that will tell you how to become a great dog trainer, but only if it's around two minutes? I appreciate your comment and have no problem with where you're coming from. But quite honestly, I don't work for you and you are not paying me a salary...so I'd advise you to stop watching my videos if they're not your cup of tea.

[minty737]

@zakgeorge21 My comment was purely for constructive criticism. As I mentioned, I have unsubscribed from your channel. I much prefer kikopups delivery method. If you don't want to take constructive criticism on board, thats your problem. You certainly seem to have enough fans who like how you're doing things anyway. But please don't turn this into personal attack. (you too Niz406)

[Niz406]

@minty737 Seriously, you are complaining about the length of a video on YouTube... a very good video I might add that responds to others criticism about technique and understanding. If only all dog trainers were this honest with the public it would be great.

My advice would be, if you cannot wait 5 minutes to hear what Zak has to say then how can you be responsible for training a dog, as you seem to have no patience at all.

[herecomesawesomeness]

haha how cute, he does the same as my dog do. sometimes ppl ask me why i let my dog come up and cuddle when she wants to like that , but infact i dont mind , i love cuddling and this is how we do it ! and why wouldnt i :D

[bobbychops1]

just a question, do you walk your dogs?

[HeartdogGSD]

I so agree about the clicker- great tool. But, I do enjoy saying "YES!" more, and using my own emotion. That's what gave me an epiphany, when I was at APDT and got Suzanne Clothier's book. Then it became all about my relationship with my dog, over science, or any cold, clinical behaviorist techniques.

[cfogle100]

I agree with your ideology and Dr. Ian Dunbar's method of dog training. Are you familiar with the Charles Eisemann method of teaching dogs. He taught dogs vocabulary and spoke in full sentences rather than single word commands. This relied heavily on a dog's ability to associatebetween words. His book from 1968, "Stop! Sit and Think" shows it's possible to improve dog training by using intelligence at a greater ratio than repetitive training to form habitual responses.

[TrinnyandSkye]

Keep saying what you have to say over and over. Every time you make a video about communicating with your dogs, someone new hears you for the first time.

[TrinnyandSkye]

Zak, I love the way you communicate with your dogs. I cuddle my dogs the way you do, with great love for them. My dogs act just like Super Nova. They have their spots under the blanket with me. Trinny on my right. Skye on the floor at my feet. It's just like cuddling with a child while we watch a movie together before bed. All I have to say is "nap!" and everyone runs for their spots. When I speak, they listen. When I move, they follow me.

[tbottoni]

Thanks Zak - I am totally addicted to watching your videos. This is such good, basic, solid, information in understanding dogs, and how to create a great relationship with them, which is really the critical first step in training.

[louis12346]

Jesus had a border collie ? The good Shepherd ? When did dog & man make the contract in history to co-exist ? Shepherds ?

[Tekhazai]

@zakgeorge21 ok Ty

[Tekhazai]

I'm getting a german shepherd puppy soon!! (will try to post a video response) any tips for a first dog owner? Ps I know it will be a big responsibility and I need to sacrifice time, but hey I have all the time in the world :)

[zakgeorge21]

@Tekhazai I've made a video about this. See my playlist.

[EmmasHairTips]

Our dog Trixie,when she comes in from the back yard we wipe her paws if their wet. Sometimes she jumps around and barks. Many people would think that they should tell their dog to stop barking, my mom does that she still don't want to wipe her paws. When she acts like that when I'm around I understand that she wants me to go out play with her so i tell her that we're going to later, and then it's like she understands what I'm saying. She calmes down.

[Angelmagik2]

There is such an ocean of advice out there eventually you have to go with your instinct. We over analyse everything. Dogs don't . Sometimes our brains are our worst handicap.

[Angelmagik2]

I liked the comment that the dog was not trying to dominate but just wanted some love. I think it's right to go with your instinct. Body language is instinctual , yes we can misunderstand each other just like with verbal language but when you have a relationship with your dog you should be able to read them just like you read body language of those you know well.

[Dogfurever]

I was staring at super nova the whole time

[s07561277]

Can you do a vid on service dog training? Maybe requirements and the best ways to go about teaching them. I have a lab puppy and my mother has MS and my brother is autistic and a friend recommended making her a service dog, but the service dog training classes are just took expensive. Think you could help me out?

[cebsny]

how great is your dog....your speech gives me confidence to one day have my own a dog ...

[sallarina8393]

Freddie94303@ The dog that Zak has there is a Border Collie. :)

[Mitmitmobi10]

Love your dogs!!

[freddie94303]

Thanks for the great advice makes me appreciate my dog even more.. Quick question what breed is your dog?

[Eyespychica]

luvn your channel and i love the part of this video at :58

[TheTooawesome1]

Another Awesome Video.

[mistaboing]

I love dogs but i dislike little kids! so what do i do?

[AtaroMorelia]

@mistaboing Just get the dogs. Kids are horrible creatures!

[Shane7891000]

Zak George is very scientific. His training technique is based on operant and classical conditioning - PROVEN animal training techniques.

[123fritz123123]

there you go again, another video without any substance whatso ever. You should watch some of the videos by "kikopup" and you might learn something. So may even want to go back to renting apartments or selling used cars. You certainly are not a dog trainer. Do you think you have the skill to train a dog like the one used in the Bin Laden Raid? You may impress someone who does'nt know anybetter but most serious trainers laugh at guys like you.

[IRaceBarrels]

@123fritz123123 This video wasn't focused on teaching a trick. He was just explaining how his style differs from others. I don't think zak's training is focus in teach Belgium Mals to track and bite people. He is more focus on trying to get people to understand their pet dogs and better communicate with them. Many police K9 trainers probably can't get dogs to do things Zac does and vice versa. If you don't like him than you are free to get tips from other trainers.

[123fritz123123]

@IRaceBarrels I totaly get what you are saying however he is a very narrow minded person who thinks his way is the best and only way. You should go to "kikopups" channel, watch some of her videos and compare the two. You will see how a REAL dog trainers operates. And I'm not just talking about police work. Zak is a media celebrity becouse he taught some boarder collies how to catch a frisby. He just got lucky and got discovered, that's all.

[IRaceBarrels]

@123fritz123123 I would be pretty full of myself to if I was a famous dog trainer too, but is see where youre going. no one is perfect in their training so I think its is important to read up and get insight from differnet styles of training. I will be sure to check out kikiopups and other real life trainers through out my dog's life to farther her training as well as our bond as dog and human.

[123fritz123123]

@IRaceBarrels BTW its "kikopup".

[TheTooawesome1]

@123fritz123123 Have you trainned a Military/Police Dog? If you have you should know that what he is saying plays a big role in training. A person is assigned to a young dog and they work together and build a trust and communication. I don't find any fault in his training...What you need to realize is that that this is platform for Military dogs...this is where the training begins...you can teach a dog anything if you have a communication with that dog.

[123fritz123123]

@TheTooawesome1 If I may ask, what is it you do for a living? Zak panders to a very ignorant audience. The masses, people who get dogs like people buy a stick of furniture. I have an excellant relationship with both my dogs however you don't teach a dog any kind of complex behaviour by trying to communicate with it the way you would a human. Check out "kikopup" on you tube and read some books by Karen Pryor.

[TheTooawesome1]

@123fritz123123 Thanks for asking. I'm a dog trainer/solider...currently working up my ranks and going through the process to be able to work with a Millitary Working dog.

[Beccinator93]

I agree except that your average dog owner doesn't take the time to really try and understand what their dog is trying to communicate to them. Most people don't automatically understand dog body language and so its a one way communication scenario. By going to a dog trainer, people learn to watch for the body language and get reminded to be patient and understanding when working with their dog.

[TheKampfkeksi]

i think you're the best dog trainer in the world and your methods are brilliant!! people who have doubt in that should watch your videos, because the results speak for themselves...anyone can see that your dogs enjoy being around you and working with you!! keep up the great work =)

[illaria007]

Yes to all except I DO need a professional dog trainer to keep me on track and troubleshoot. And watch me do the wrong thing with my hands occasionally and correct me. And help me figure out why a dog goes the wrong way at times and how to fix it. Pro trainers are awesome folk if you get the right ones.

[NATNUTTY14]

I know this isn't about 'this' video but the who let the dogs out? (2012)program, yh, I got an audition place! And yh! I am really looking forward to it! However, Its a long way from here so I might not be able to make it. Lets Hope I do!!!!! Just thought i'd tell you!

[belthazor000]

Supernova is really a star! he always wanna be in the front of the camera!! =)

[stephboo92]

i tried clicker training but wasnt a fan. i prefrrrrd to teach him eithout the ckicker because in realblife if im walking him im not always going to have thr clickrr on me.

[CrazyDragonCross]

@stephboo92 That is very true. And I believe sometimes when your dog hits the "jackpot", you'll be so happy that you show real emotions to him/her, allowing the dog to understand and learn quicker. I think this is what Zak was talking about.

[zmc2013]

i really like this. Too many people these days are trying to turn there dogs into a possession or a robot. Dogs have emotions and seeing those emotions is in my view the most important part of the bond between humans and dogs

[WhatsTheDifferenceTV]

Yay dogs.

[donnyz89]

You have made the criticism that some trainers that uses clicker don't have that genuine connection with their dog, and I don't think its fair. The clicker does not replace verbal feedback, it does not replace the person/dog interaction, it is not a praise. Plenty of clicker trainers have great and deep relationships with their dogs. I think a trainer can rely a lot on clicker and not take away the relationship component.

[donnyz89]

@donnyz89 But the domination and pack theory stuff is outdated, teaching dog through love and positive reinforcement to show the dog what they should do rather than what they should NOT do is clearly superior.

[zakgeorge21]

@donnyz89 Yeah, I agree with that. They very likely have a great relationship with their dog, but from what I've seen, that aspect of training is glossed over when teaching others this method in favor of "science training" where the human element is encouraged to be minimal. The more we train with positive, and heart-felt emotion, the more effective and meaningful the end result becomes. Anyone who has ever had a highly trained dog knows that this where truly superior training happens.

[staroftheocean97]

I totally agree with you Zak. I love seeing the bond you  have between your dogs . Dogs are really man's best friend :)

[mahakhalil1]

I don't disagree with you (I almost never do), but there is only one problem with telling people to communicate with their dogs the way they communicate with children: a LOT of people don't know how to raise kids properly or communicate with them properly, and a lot of them when they adopt this mindset will forget that the dog doesn't understand what they are saying to them unless they have actually taught what the words mean...

[zakgeorge21]

@mahakhalil1 I can only do so much, right? I get what you're saying though.

[HellOnHighWheels]

Yeah I agree - some people believe in punnishment-based techniques even with their kids, like hitting them, & some (not all) don't know any better........ I do understand what you mean though, great video - & you can clearly see the strong bond between you & your dog, he's lovely! =)

[learningbydogging]

Hy Zak! Thx a Lot for this clear words! It is so hard to Teach people these facts ... Here the Kids Even in School learn about "Pack"Theorie.... some days ago My eldest Son came Home asking who was the Alpha of our Pack... grrrhmpfff. I answered it was me ;-). Then I explained it to him. But for Kids it is totally clear (until they re told something Else) how to Teach a Dog. Love from Austria ;-)

[Voidic]

I should watch more of your videos. Can you recommend me some books?

[Zaphyr1276]

Even though I do like your style, I believe dogs are not aloud on the furniture. I find its like " I dont sit on your pillow so stay of mine."

[zakgeorge21]

@Zaphyr1276 You mean your dogs are not allowed on the furniture. If those are your house rules no problem. I've always been pretty liberal with traditional rules like that. But that's totally up to you. Nothing wrong with a "stay off the furniture" rule.

[mtjor156]

It's so frustrating to go to the dog park when everyone blames every behavior on dominance. Every time a dog humps, wrestles or makes a noise, all of the "dog experts" are armed and ready with their knowledge of dominance. We need more people like Zak so people can better understand their dogs.

[TheTooawesome1]

@mtjor156 Thank You...Somebody who understands.

[josski32]

Zak: (sorry I'm on my iPod I can't reply directly)

Thanks for making this available to the mainstream public, it is how me and many others found you. I also love how casual your vids are where some dog trainers have all fancy editing, you act like you're just in a casual conversation with us :)

[BrokeYourBanana]

I have a 5 year old dog and he has been dogaggressive, which I know is my fault, cause when he was a pup he got attacked by two big dogs and I handled that one very wrong..

Anyways, I tried a bunch of things to make him stop, but nothing worked.

By using a ball (he loves them) I made him focus on me and not the other dogs, then he got the ball as a reward when he did'nt bark or so.. This worked out great!

All thanks to you and your positive training!

By changing my way of approaching this!

[josski32]

I love your style of training, it is amazing!! You're right, you should NOT interact with your dog through "theory" as the aggressive dog trainers do or only through a clicker as the "positive" trainers do!! You should focus on trying to connect with your dog on a higher level.

Btw it's kind of ironic that you have been a dog trainer telling people what to do with their dogs and you ARE a dog trainer telling people not to go to a dog trainer :)

[zakgeorge21]

@josski32 Yeah. I've long realized the way to bring about widespread change is to empower people to teach their own dogs with lots and lots of love. I go out of my to make my positions on dog training free and accesible to the mainstream public. Free flowing information equals progress, and progress is what dog training needs very badly right now.

[sewbears]

Have you evr worked with deaf and or deaf blind dogs? Do you have any tips for working with my special needs dogs?

[zakgeorge21]

@sewbears My main advice would be to cater to their other senses.

[MsCeliMoon]

Hey Zak.

How do I convince my family that there is no need for scolding a dog when it does something wrong? Bella, my 6months old pup, almost always pees outside but if the accident happens and she pees inside, my family scolds my little baby while I'd rather just say a firm "No" and then give her a treat when she pees outside the house. It's like this with everything, every time she does something wrong they can keep scolding her for 5 minutes or even yell, and it makes even me uncomfortable.

[zakgeorge21]

@MsCeliMoon Show them my videos.



[x0x0melissa0x0x]

I love the message of this video and seeing how you treat your dogs as family members. The biggest issue I have with my papillon is being inconsistent with the "command" words. Everyone in my family seems to say it different and i think it makes it harder on my dog. Could you do an overview on what you use, such as "lay down" instead of "lay" etc. I know this is not a hard concept, but it seems to be for my dog and family members.

[zakgeorge21]

@x0x0melissa0x0x While in the beginning it may be advantageous to use the same words, I would actually encourage you and your family to use different words over time. Dogs are very capable of having a large vocabulary and should be encouraged to learn lots of words.

[SalsaTiger83]

I don't think that breeding achieved that capability to understand us. But they have been bred to not fear humans (wolves do) and seek approval, they want to please, and because they are smart enough to do so, they communicate well with us.

Dogs are too smart for simplistic pack theories and if someone wants to use pack theory, dogs will often accomodate that.

[BrokeYourBanana]

You are great and so are your dogs!

I need some new inspiration and wonder if you can upload som videos on new, awesome and fun tricks!

Advanced or easy, no matter what!

Hugs from Sweden! :)

[TheOrion222]

Nice job

[44prot]

@anomali do you or would you, see yourself as the "alpha" in your family, with children? Same concept! It's more an idea of leadership, guidance, protection, than it is dominance. No one need dominant in order to maintain. Respect goes both ways in any relationship. Fear does NOT equal respect. Respect is earned. The greatest and most loved of all, have never been those we have feared. So, leadership is not synonymous with dominance. See what I'm trying to say?

[nemax1]

Zak, you are the best! I totally agree with you. My first language is not English and last time I tried to explain to my friend why I want to train my dogs in your way but unfortunately I couldn`t explain it very well. At least I think he couldn`t understand what I really meant (his first language is not English either). I`m going to show this video so he can understand it. I`m a huge fan of your way of thinking. Thanks for your videos!

[anomali]

love the way you think regarding training

but one question.. as a dog owner/trainer, do you see you as a alpha in the group?

[zakgeorge21]

@anomali No. I'm not living in a wolf pack (furthermore pack theory in the sense that you are describing has long been debunked). I am a parent to my dogs. It really is that simple.

[anomali]

@zakgeorge21 i guess it is..

got a border collie 2 weeks ago, named Barkley, he is amazing, and truly behaves as a little kid. he's only 11 weeks

and its so hard not to fall in love with them

thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us

[TheDarkpassenger23]

Zak I wish every dog owner was like you. I use your approach and I have had a great success with my Border Collie.

[Erinlia]

Aw, your dog is the cutest dog ever! :)

[Ninitos1]

Fuck them Zack.You are the dog trainer of the future...because you set a new state of mind and a new approach.

[GiorgakisAEL]

3 viewer !!! Yeahhh

[Ninitos1]

@GiorgakisAEL geia sou re giwrgakh.

[Ninitos1]

2nd i guess

[cooluka99]

the first viewer