Learn how to raise dogs like Prince and Bosco

As someone who's in infant and child care for 10+ years, I've realized very quickly that the happier, more well adjusted kids come from parents who practice structure. Kids like structure, dogs like structure. It's very clear to see if you work with either of them.

Ive had my abused rescue dog for 2.5 years. At first i let her get away with things while she settled in and mentally/physically healed. Then one day i realized that she had started to chastise me like i was a puppy. It was at this point when i had had enough and started to be the boss. She tested her boundaries , but now she is a happier and more adjusted dog. Making her realize that i am the one in charge has been a game changer.

I love seeing Prince work, but it's really great to see you and Prince just hanging out and enjoying each other. That dog loves you so much!

As a teenager going to my first dog training class, I was suprised that the first thing the instructor said was that the class actually wasn't about training the dogs, it was for training the owners. And the trainer's "most important rule" always sticks with me... "Don't ask the dog to do something you are not going to enforce." Like if they don't come when they are called, go and get them, and bring them back to where you were. I've actually carried over that philosophy (in a softer way) to my kids. I don't ask a lot of them, but if the few chores they are expected to do are not done, whatever fun thing they are doing gets interrupted by one of "dad's chats" where I annoyingly talk about how their actions affect other's view of them, and how that might jeopardize future benefits, until they comply. Now half way through their teens and so far going well - and significant that my eldest comes to me to ask advice about her friends - girls & boys. Her friend's parents consider her the "responsible one" in the group.

6:45 “My methods for decreasing aggression are: 1. Don’t let the dog jump on you 2. Don’t let them pull you down the street 3. They need to come when they’re called 4. They don’t sleep in your bed. That is from working with aggressive dogs and ... seeing the correlation between dogs doing whatever the heck they want in life and then being aggressive. The most bang for your buck is being vigilant in your everyday life with (these 4 things) ... You need to run the show in your house.” 6:31 “You are the boss of your house. You mean what you say and you say what you mean. You don’t request a lot of stuff. You’re not asking. Carry yourself well.” My own comment: Absolutely agree. Consistency and clarity over time pay off. Joel says relationship is not the main thing, it’s discipline. He’s probably right - a dog can be trained by someone it has only just met. It may not be about the relationship, but it damn sure is about communication. Your dog needs to clearly understand what is expected, and what is not tolerated. A lot of people expect dogs to understand what they want, without really taking the time to clearly communicate it to them. You do this by reinforcing/rewarding what you do want and correcting/punishing what you don’t want - consistently, over time. It’s not rocket science... it’s behavioral science.

My dad used to have dogs and all of them were well-behaved. I used to think our family got lucky. But looking back at my dad's personality (consistent, relentless, disciplined, strict) I now realize that even without reading books or consulting any trainer, he probably just did a lot of things right because his personality was a natural good fit to be in charge of dogs.

THE LACK OF Discipline is the main reason for A LOT of HUMAN problems as well. The fact you know and understand this is why you are good at what you do.

This resonates with me on so many levels. My dogs have been extremely well behaved, able to sit in the yard with no collar or leash and watch all the neighborhood dogs go by. I could take them anywhere and walked freely off leash at my side. What most people don't realize is by being strict and disciplined when training them, they had an AMAZING amount of freedom because they EARNED it and respected their boundaries. Invest the time early and you'll have many years of wonderful experiences....

Spot on mate, the 3 F's: firm, fair and fun. Works with dogs, kids, other people and yourself.

“Say what you mean and mean what you say.” Perfect! I like that.

As a retired elementary school teacher, I would say that all the time. That is the key to success is to “say what you mean and mean what you say.”

I think you really see what a good person he is just by watching Prince. Prince loves him so so much! :)

Videos like this make me like you, not just as a trainer, but as a person as well. More stories please.

I don’t have a dog and have never owned a dog, I enjoy theses videos for the practicality in a world where practical thought is attacked.

That first story about the visit with Bosco is remarkable, wish I could have seen it in person.

Having a strong character with dogs is a huge deal. They need a leader, you, the owner. It’s leading with authority not abuse.

I love seeing Prince act like a sweet little cuddly lovable puppy. Most of the time he is literally all about business and working. He needs you.

Great self-restraint in not laughing at Bosco peeing on the San Diego guys house. Basically, Bosco was telling that guy to bring it down a notch! 😂

Prince is so lovely & affectionate. What a beautiful boy ❤️

I really appreciate that you admit to doing some not so ideal things with Bosco. It makes you trustworthy and relatable. You're learning too. I REALLY struggle to accept the idea that doggo can't sleep on the bed. My dobie is my ESA/therapy dog and he's my cuddle buddy. There are times I kick him off the bed. But one of my absolute favorite things about my dog, is how he cuddles like a person. He's my snuggle bug and he knows when I really need it. I remember what it was like to not have a dog that knew when and how to snuggle, and I don't want to not have that.