Knowing Your Dog: The Real Secret to Training That Works
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jul 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Knowing Your Dog: The Real Secret to Training That Works
When people think of dog training, they often picture rigid commands, military-style drills and endless repetitions. But real training — the kind that transforms your relationship with your dog — has very little to do with that. It begins with connection, clarity and understanding the dog in front of you.
In The Dog House, training isn’t about teaching tricks. It’s about building a language between you and your dog so life becomes easier, calmer and far more enjoyable.
Why Dogs Behave the Way They Do
Every behaviour has a reason. Dogs aren’t stubborn, awkward, or “naughty”. They are communicating.
A dog who pulls on the lead might be anxious.
A dog who jumps on guests might be overwhelmed.
A dog who won’t come back might not understand what “come” actually means.
When you start seeing behaviour as information, you stop firefighting and start guiding.
Connection First, Commands Second
Imagine asking someone to listen to you while they’re stressed, confused or excited. It doesn’t work well — and dogs are no different.
A calm, relaxed dog learns faster.
A dog who trusts you makes better choices.
A dog who feels seen and understood doesn’t need to shout with their behaviour.
Training becomes effortless once the relationship feels safe and predictable.
The Power of Reward-Based Learning
Rewards build confidence, motivation and memory. They tell your dog, “Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted.” But rewards don’t always mean food — they can be:
• Play
• Touch
• Space
• Sniffing
• Praise
• Movement
The key is knowing what your dog values. When you tap into their natural motivators, training instantly becomes engaging and fun.
Clarity: Dogs Love Rules and Routines
You don’t need to be strict — just consistent.
Dogs thrive when they know what works. If the rules change daily, they become confused and anxious. Clear boundaries do the opposite: they help dogs relax.
Simple consistency is more powerful than any command.
Behaviour Change Starts Before the Walk
People often try to fix behaviour “in the moment”, especially out on walks. But true training begins before you even reach the door.
Is your dog calm before the lead goes on?
Are you calm?
Do they understand what’s expected?
Preparation is everything. A dog who leaves the house calm will make better choices than a wound-up dog ready to explode with excitement.
Training Is a Conversation, Not a Competition
Many owners feel pressured to “keep up” with what other dogs can do. But every dog learns at their own pace, with their own history, personality and triggers.
Progress is progress — whether it’s a perfect recall or simply choosing not to bark at a passing dog today.
Celebrate every step.
Where We Go From Here
Inside The Dog House, I’ll be sharing:
• Behaviour breakdowns (why things happen and how to change them)
• Practical, psychology-based training tools
• Game-based learning for focus and control
• Handling tips for nervous, reactive or overexcited dogs
• Real-life examples from my own training experiences
You’ll learn how to read your dog, support them, and communicate clearly — so both of you feel confident and connected every day.
Training doesn’t start with commands.
It starts with understanding.
And that’s exactly what this space is all about.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
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