From Sparks to Flames: Training Your Dog the Right Way

[@mariskaodijk4838]

This was such a beautiful mataphor! And the video was truly amazing, the shots from the early stages, and showing how Inertia has grown up. I felt that in my core. I've watched the first year of her training in my prepparation for getting my own boy. And I've learned so much from you, and my friend, who's a dog trainer, when she raised her Bordercollie. She always says she can see your influance on the way I train Chai (she has seen your video's). But somehow along the way I haven't been keeping up with you on KZbin, I follow you on Instagram so see a lot of things, but training wise I haven't been watching video's. My boy Chai is 2,5 and he is an amazing dog, he listens quite well, we have an incredible bond, and he loves to train. But the school we go to is very old school. We do our own positive training thing, but I'm feeling more and more like we just don't belong there. So I'm going on the hunt for a new trainingschool. And I want to thank you for lighting a fire under my butt with this analogy. I'm going to watch you more, so we keep on learning new things, and do what we did when Chai was a puppy; train at home and in our own neighbourhood. We did that during Covid, and we had so much fun, that raising him and teaching him never felt like the big time investment that it actualy was.

[@Unplanned_Dog_Training]

Zak if you knew anything you would have known balance dog trainer use a lot of treats most of the time and they build their foundation on using treats ,toys and praise. But once the dog knows the behavior and they can do it 70% of the time we use leash pressure and body pressure to step up the game. With a treat always on the other side of it. Using correction speeds up the process and make the dog Win all the time. This is why balance dog trainers and owners have well behaved dogs at the age of 1 year. When using balance training correctly it is amazing what we can accomplish.

[@TheLastLizStanding]

Thanks for posting this video, I think it’s exactly what I needed to see. My 7m pup has been testing boundaries like crazy, and your video reminded me to take a step back and see how far she’s come. She still has a long way to go, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.

[@loveyall5080]

I love the fire analogy and how you tied in her earlier training with it! Hopefully this will help me get my family to see that the dog won't just stop misbehaving overnight!

[@Lifestylelinked]

These videos are amazing. I love watching the blend of vlog style content / real life and dog training. Watched you guys for years and this is my fave type of content yet! X

[@katja4458]

This has to be the most thought through dog training video I've ever seen... It also reminds me that I leave my fire unattended for too long at a time sometimes.

[@fluffydogvlog]

I knew Inertia was well trained! It was so fun to see her perform. She earned that gold star! Thank for showing her off.

[@justinbehnke8724]

“I’m really into this metaphor” us too Zak!

[@BaileyB1011]

Wow didn’t know a video could “relight my spark” to dog train. I get easily discouraged when it rains…but I’m gonna get that fire back ❤️

[@jadaferandoes9249]

This video was so reassuring for new dog owners. Thank you for all you do Zak - loved this new angle in your content. Keep doing what your doing 👏

[@thelakebar]

It is one of your best videos. We have a deaf dog which presents extra challenges. The first is getting us to look at us for direction

[@ingeborg-anne]

Adding this to my puppy training essentials playlist - gotta keep it handy for when my baby arrives

[@ingeborg-anne]

ALSO, incidentally, my mind was blown when you chucked that toy down the stairs in your Alaska house and made Inertia stop before she followed the toy downstairs. So proud of her!

[@PamelaDalmatian]

Love the analogy. You clearly spent a lot of time thinking about it 😂 and very well explained. I love making fires, and training my dogs!!!! It feels so great when it all comes together. Like Hanks in Castaway: ‘I have made FIRE!’ 🔥

[@irishduchess7577]

My dogs get Bark Boxes thanks to watching this channel. They recognize the box and we open it together, excited to check out the cool toys and fun theme every month. This month though…I kept the toys for myself. They were so much my childhood with the Trapper Keeper, I just couldn’t let them eventually destroy the toys in the course of time and I feel guilty about that lol. They got extra treats as a salve to my conscience. Plus longer time in the pool. ❤

[@norbertoyeshuaestradajuare9869]

What a great video Zak! Thank you so much for it. Sometimes I really get desperate cause I see no results... but here is where you notice that you can always do better, not just for you, but for them too, and with that for all the family members. I see art beyond dog training in this video! 👌👏🙏

[@TundraEmpress]

Zak this is so good! I'm loving all the creativity in your videos!

[@SkyxPrince]

I definitely feel like I needed to see this video. I made so many strides with my 4 month old puppy and since I caught COVID for 2 weeks, I feel like I took a big step back in her training. And as a dog trainer at my store, I felt like I got so rusty in 2 weeks of not training. But watching this reminded me that some things have to be taken at a slower pace and revisited rather than expecting a one direction forward progress. I think after this, I might rewatch some of Zak's old series to rekindle my brain and passion and remember what inspired me to be a dog trainer in the first place.

[@irishduchess7577]

Hope you’re fully recovered and feeling better now!

[@alexandradittmann8588]

what a fun series! Love the adventure-vibe and the changing sceneries. Scary wildlife included...

[@carolc1543]

That’s it! I’m sending my 12 week old puppy to you.! Inertia is amazing.

[@stacispigner1094]

Why are we not seeing Inertia on TV and in movies? She is so well trained and can do so much, she listens to her dad right away on the first time, and she’s super cute. Everything they look for. She has a career waiting for her!

[@SkyxPrince]

I think it's because that's not what he wants for inertia. Zak himself has been on shows and he used to do competitions with his previous dogs. And from what I understand what zak has said in his previous videos, he enjoys what he does on KZbin. It's a audience that acts more like a community rather than a media outlet. Not everyone wants the "Hollywood life".

[@zakgeorge]

I enjoy working for myself, more than working for others!

[@teachersikhumbuzomoyo5419]

@@zakgeorge superbowl

[@crissycrisss1893]

This was a really touching message and heart warming video. ♥️ thank you for the thoughtful words and care you put in your work

[@rrjohn5]

Good job, Zak. That's a great metaphor! I'm working on a spark with our newly adopted schnauzer rescue. She's very attentive and willing to learn. If I fail... it's me, not her! I know that! My main issue at the moment is how she freaks out, I mean loses her mind, when I take her out of her crate. She goes in very eagerly and does pretty good while in there. But man.... that exit strategy of hers is fierce!🤣😛

[@EarPlugTV]

Love it, really needed this. Thank you for taking the time and giving the effort to make this.

[@flying_free]

Great information as always. Got my first bark box today. Cutest little backpack chew toy (he's attacking it now) and my pup loves everything in it. Keep up the great loving work and can't wait to watch your next video.

[@emilyromanello9476]

I love Inertia! The fire analogy was great. It really works for dog training, and I think with other things in life as well, like building general resiliance. Thanks for the encouraging episode!

[@lisadehart1]

Wow! So good. I think that was one of your best videos yet! Love the fire metaphor and the humor: "Roofs are overrated" lol. Inertia has come so far. She's amazing with an amazing trainer. I'm so jealous

[@TheRaySquirrel]

Thank you so much for making this video, I've gotten into such a rut about not working with my dog, then getting frustrated that he's getting antsy and a little apathetic. We played a great game of fetch today and had extra enrichment with exploring other parts of the house and even got a car ride

[@rebecca5590]

Great analogy! Rich in knowledge! Love this training episode! ❤

[@francescamamlin450]

My little fire just turned 5 months. He has been with me for one month now and I am so in love

[@TimStruckmeier]

Inertia just oozes cuteness, happiness and love. ❤

[@JanetSpear55]

❤one of the best videos! We are old and chose to get mini Aussie and he is 13 weeks old! This video was amazingly helpful. We’re still working on the foundation obviously but we will have a roaring fire!

[@auricgoldfinger8478]

My foster fur boy just got adopted! Yeh for Loki, and great training tips from this channel.

[@a.safe.home.3656]

Oh, this was so good! Loved the analogy! It's seems easy to get discouraged from time to time thinking my pup should be farther along in her training. Then I remind myself that she is a puppy and we will get there.

[@hegedehlidelmann3056]

Great video, just What i needed❤️👍

[@Tom.and.Missy.Northam]

Love this analogy!! We are struggling with a bitting/barking puppy. She's great at sit, lay down, some stay, potty trained but the bitting and attention barking is a struggle. More work needed...

[@Flippokid]

I like the metaphor. There are definitely things it can help me understand better. But some of us don't have the time to sit by a campfire all afternoon. We have lives. We have time for our lovely pets in a specific schedule, and it rains almost every time we set foot out the door. I'm not even talking about training, just regular walks go from sunshine to storm in split seconds.

[@thekaspack]

We love everything about this!

[@NyreeAlana]

Fantastic analogy! 👏

[@kareneaton433]

Favorite line "I am really into this metaphor".

[@primalperry5667]

Roofs are definitely over rated brother. Love the fire analogy! My puppy is having his 1 year birthday today and wow have I noticed changes in him recently. I think he's ready for a smallish "log". :)

[@kikijane8879]

The dog is stunning! ❤

[@charlotteharris4690]

You are an amazing dog trainer! Thank you for inspiring the rest of us trainers!!

[@Here_This]

Very good ! You really have the "fire" burning and under control ! 🥰

[@cherab7400]

Yay for Inertia updates!

[@robertsilverstein1643]

Thanks for your metaphor.

[@christeaaa]

wow i love this. puts things into perspective.

[@jackiecrofford8262]

Zak I am a teacher and this is a great lesson! Love the analogy and you are so funny! I still think you could be the next Blues Clues guy! 😂💙🐶

[@MBI_The_Doglover]

Love ur videos cant wait to learn more u help alot with my golden retreiver puppy thnx so much 😍

[@NurseJackie2582]

What a fun analogy!

[@Lourdes-nc3sp]

I also do the "silly to become more interesting" thing, Zak 😂😂 both with my dog and my teenage students. And guess what, it works!

[@Mr.P1983]

I’m always here for the info but I always see the feet heat. Your training is outstanding and you shoe game is sensational 👏🏽

[@ScheerhornAA13]

OH MY GOD THIS IS GENIUS YOU ARE A DOG GOD

[@faeriesandrainbows]

All these metaphors are 🔥!

[@margaretfleming3554]

Is there anyway you could pitch up and offer dog training tips to people? I appreciate you’d probably need a park where you were planning to stay but have watched your older posts, where you ran classes, and they were just SO helpful.

[@chloechartier2707]

love this video!! such a great metaphor and great fire/dog!

[@jackicammidge5901]

Love the analogy between dog training and building a fire.

[@kavitadeva]

That was Super cool watching you make a fire in the Great Outdoors. I know you were creating a comparison with with training. Clever Zak. For any future fires you might want to try a fire starter. They are white squares 1inch by 1inch in a tray of about 12. 1or2 little starters a boom away you go. Low maintenance and fast results, not to be compared to dog training. Walmart has em they are easy to find. I really enjoy this Road trip season. Bree I miss you when you are not in the videos. Take care and Happy Trails.

[@allaboutcanines]

Nice analogy. I may have to refer to this is my training practice.

[@thatrobyngirl]

Thanks again for a great video! My 2-year-old pit mix rescue and I have found your content (+books) indispensable. If you have thoughts or resources on "high-arousal" dogs, I'd LOVE to hear them. Tilly can only handle about 15 minutes of being outside before she kind of loses her cool, sometimes biting me. We've started calming supplements to supplement our training, so I think we're doing all the right things, but we also really love your positive, relationship-first approach. In any event, thank you for sharing all of your expertise and experience with us!

[@GDFX]

Wawoo, this is wonderful

[@DogDetailsTV]

Excellent explanation using the metaphor!

[@victoriamallett3577]

Ah George I miss him! ❤ What a good boy

[@vickitm]

Hi Zak! My dog needs you!!!

[@thebiblemessenger]

Wonderful video as usual. Love you guys and safe trip to alaska

[@carolemuenzer5490]

Good thoughts sometimes I expect too soon. Thanks

[@Beasepu]

I would love to see her on a movie too. Totally agree with that. She is amazing and gorgeous ❤

[@charlotteharris4690]

What awesome metaphors!!!

[@MaxsonJacki]

Zak, I could learn anything from you

[@ashieyuxea]

Came for the dog training tips, stayed for the fire building lesson! 😋

[@tinanieves9881]

Great metaphor!

[@NoOffensePies]

An amazing video essay... Although you've got lots to learn in terms of how to build an actual fire xD

[@JenKirby]

Good analogy.

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

10:35 IS IMPRESSIVE!

[@jamesr9227]

Campfire is not the only thing that is lit! (It’s this video... this video is lit) (do the kids still say “lit”?)

[@emily_fab]

What a perfect metaphor 😁

[@annielyst]

How fun to have those flashbacks - Inertia was the cutest pup!

[@sherimann6144]

So I'm going to love this video have two new puppies! I am an animal Whisperer!? However? I forgot what little monsters puppies are they're little land sharks they are piranhas. Lol. Your videos are helping me a lot they're already sitting and I find yelling at the top of my lungs helps a little bit

[@gregoryherbig5727]

I adopted an adult dog at our shelter and she has slowly begun to learn without making a lot of progress on potty training. What is the best way to get results. I am retired and have time, I take her walking her at 7am, 12pm, 5pm and 8pm. Thank you

[@austinpalo3]

Hi Zak! I was wondering if u had a video on training dogs with high prey drive to be engaged with u around wildlife. I feel like I've hit a wall recently in training with my dog. We train in lots of different environments & have made alot of improvements. My pups recall/ engagement is pretty consistent around other dogs, people, kids, sounds BUT she is a HIGH prey drive. Her weakness are squirrels, deer, lizards and anything that zooms really. I can have her in a down stay in a busy environment but if she sees a squirrel run up a tree she can't help herself from chasing it. On a short leash she knows leave it and will leave it but when practicing in an enclosed environment off leash she usually chooses to chase the thing zooming. Any tips for this would be much appreciated thank you!!

[@chloechartier2707]

also can you give advice on how to discourage mounting at the dog park? thanks so much for all your amazing videos!

[@Erin_29]

First step: don't go to dog parks. Lol. Too many untrained aggressive dog's. Not worth your dog being attacked.

[@kaclama]

If your dog isn't able to listen or play politely at the dog park, they shouldn't be there. It's not fair to the other dogs, and the more a dog rehearses a bad behaviour, the harder it becomes to teach them otherwise. Start with calmer playdates with one or two other dogs where you can intervene or take breaks when your dog gets overstimulated. As they learn better manners, and how to listen when called away from a situation, you can try the dog park again.

[@ainsleythebunnylover9997]

Great video! I have been working on my dog's reactivity and annoying habit of barking at things out the window. My dog gets stressed outside and whines a lot. Do you have any tips on how to teach him to chill?

[@linda..8945]

I‘d recommend using curtains. Every time my dog barked at something he saw outside I would just shut the curtains and as soon as he stopped barking I reopened them. Took him 3 days to figure out that quiet people-watching is fun too ;) also he’s not allowed to put his paws on the windowsill anymore. As for the reactivity: There’s no easy solution. Maybe try going at a slower pace and take your time showing your dog all the great things along the way (sticks, leaves, trash cans, whatever small „adventure“ you can find) to get him to pay more attention to you and stop the whining. But this really depends on the type of dog you have and what type of training you’re doing 🤷🏼‍♀️ My dog was very reactive towards other dogs and pulling me around on walks until I started training him with a gentle leader two weeks ago (16 month old border collie, half my weight). His leash manners improved a lot since then :) I also found him a 2 yo playmate and we meet up twice a week, they’ve got he cutest „bromance“ ever going on and my dog is less on edge around other dogs… not quite chill but we’re working on it consistently :)

[@elainelucke]

So curious of which campground this is.

[@sherimann6144]

Inertia! Omg! Great name! My plan is to train my two new dogs to the degree of training I like I mean you're talking stand? That's awesome I'm going to have these dogs jumping over each other with hand signals

[@janhankins911]

Best of luck. Unless you're a professional trainer, you may need some help, though for some really advanced tricks like having the dogs jump over each other.

[@sherimann6144]

@@janhankins911 i do! I will get me some liver and fry that up and that will be my professionality! You can get a dog to do anything in 5 minutes with a tasty morsel in your hand! I am a professional but thank you Jan! ✌☮🕊

[@sherimann6144]

@@janhankins911 thank you for your comment you're so sweet! They will be trained! you can say "monsters!" They're already sitting it's just a really slow process! Have a wonderful day

[@marzwolfe4037]

Lol before finishing reading the title I was like “it’s gonna be exercise isn’t it” 😒😅

[@foreverisover496]

Could you do something on resource guarding but not from humans. My puppy started guarding sleeping spots from my other dog and I don't really know how to deal with it.

[@ianwesterhoff7529]

Getting a rescue can feel like trying to light a wet log but just trying to rebuild the foundation

[@justinfender380]

How old should the dog be for me to start training it.

[@BrendaBotanica]

We just moved from an area with no squirrels to an area thats full of squirrels and other wildlife, our dog is having a VERY hard time adjusting. I'm struggling to get her to behave at all when she's outside now because she is always on the lookout for squirrels. I think they broke her brain. Help, what can i do?

[@emiiily2238]

When I try walking my dog she always ends up wiggling out of her harness on purpose, and ends up running away from me. How can I train her to stop?(shes 4 years old)

[@JanineMKartist]

can you discuss regression in potty training around the 5 month mark?

[@jus.me.tanzks5834]

I’d say take steps back. Let them out more often and keep them contained when you can’t be watching them

[@jus.me.tanzks5834]

With an 8 week old puppy for my dog to succeed he had to be let out every hour to pee and then he could be wherever in the house with supervision for 30 minutes maybe then I’d put him in the crate and do what I needed to do for 30 minutes and then I’d let him outside to pee and repeat the process. Eventually you can wait 1:30 between potty breaks. I have a 7 month old lab and I still let him out probably every 2 hours and he does not get to run around the house the whole day he’s just barely getting unsupervised time in the house It’s still 80% supervised And they need to poop in the morning right away and for an 8 week old puppy 4 hours after they’ve eaten. My dog now poops and pees on command so idk how long he could hold poop now. He goes probably three times each day tho. Morning and afternoon and before bed

[@janhankins911]

First, visit your vet to rule out any medical issue (like a urinary tract infection or stones--these may cause "regression" and make your dog "go" inside the house). Once your vet gives your puppy a medical clearance, go back to basics (like you were just starting to house train him or her). To save time, I'm going to say "her" and my apologies if your dog is a male. Take her out on a strict schedule. Supervise, supervise, supervise. Use a crate or x-pen when you can't supervise. Put up baby gates if necessary to block off rooms (so in case your attention wonders she can't sneak off to another room to avail herself of the facilities). Take her out after meals, after play, etc. Take her out first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. Get up in the middle of the night to take her out if you have to. If she doesn't have any medical issues, start from the beginning and I promise it'll go much faster than it did the first time!! If she continues to go in the house despite your efforts, contact a veterinary behaviorist or positive trainer in your area for help because there could be something going on other than simple regression (like she developed fear--worked with a dog that became fearful of her back yard and wouldn't use the back yard to go to the bathroom, she'd been out when she heard a car backfire and after that, it was 'no thanks, I'll take care of my business elsewhere'.

[@a.safe.home.3656]

Mine too

[@kamalrawat9049]

which dog is this ??

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

I just received my Pupford Box. My Corgi is an aggressive chewer. She chews everything up. Even the super chew toys. Now, she's reacting to everything by jumping on me, tearing my clothes and pulling down my pants. My mom's 91 years old and legally deaf with a cochlear implant. If I try to communicate with my mom, the loud noises set her off. I'm under a lot of stress. I'm sure that she's feeding off of this. Any suggestions to help calm her down would be appreciated.

[@PatA95]

Exercise

[@beverlydeardurff5366]

@@PatA95 I take Gucci for 3-4 walks. She pulls on her leash causing her to choke. I've got a recumbent tricycle and a leash for walking dogs, but I had to purchase an adapter. The assembly is very difficult for me. I don't have the correct tools for this. I don't have a secure area for her. She chases bugs, digs under fences, picks up rocks and sticks, eats feces, etc. I've got to keep her on a leash for her safety, I can control her. She's so smart sometimes I think that she does these behaviors for spite.

[@misstweetypie1]

Start teaching her more tricks. If she is chewing everything, chasing bugs and digging, she might be bored, so this is another way to get her mind busy and wear it out. Also, if she pulls on a leash, don’t use a neck collar, use a harness or a gentle leader instead. Or just try to actually train her to walk nicely beside you. Like Zak was saying, consistency is key to teaching her better behaviours. Maybe you and your mom can learn some simple sign language to reduce the amount of loud talking you have to do? Worst comes to worst, maybe you need to acknowledge that you can’t provide the home she needs at this point in your life, and you try to find a friend who will take her.

[@PatA95]

@@beverlydeardurff5366 I am sorry, I generally see unexercised dogs doing what you describe. If you are walking her that much then you're correct. First I would suggest a harness or nose halter for any dog who chokes itself. Also, given the level of exercise how old is this dog? If not a puppy, was it a rescue? With a puppy, it's exactly what Zak was getting at in today's video, time, persistence and your own big human brain thinking about how to approach things. Even with a rescue those are the same skills you need, but with an older dog with an unknown background, more time may be needed. Given your mother's infirmity, you need to think about if any dog is right for you. I walked the aging path with my own folks and I cannot emphasize how difficult it is and the many curve balls you may face.

[@Erin_29]

Herm sprenger prong collar. You shouldn't have to use it forever. Just for the initial training of walking nicely.

[@Lair_in_Limbo]

Hello Zak. I am desperate for help. My dog and I come from an abusive home. My ex that I was seeing insisted we got a German Shepherd as that was the breed he always wanted. German Shepherds can be incredibly stubborn puppies, or so I have read. My ex would hit her when she would do things she wasnt supposed to and was narcissistic. I would hide her from him or put myself between us when he was upset with her. Even though it was our dog, he only ever took her to potty. I went through all of her obedience training and first grooming appointments and took her on walks in the woods etc. I'm writing this because I finally got her and I out of that house and into a bit of a cramped apartment. He didn't even want her when I said I was finally able to move out. I didn't want him to have her anyway. It was just the lack of love for this dog that really hurt,he never cared about either of us. I'm not surprised, but it was still painful. Anyway, she grew up with a yard and would go out regularly, but now theres so many dogs at this new apartment and shes very reactive. She nearly got into a fight yesterday with another reactive and aggressive dog. My dog is socialized but lacks confidence, as you can imagine. I wanted to do the right thing and rehome her but no shelters are accepting of German Shepherds in my area and the German Shepherd rescue team hasn't responded. I wouldn't be writing this if I had options.. can anyone PLEASE help me. I dont have much money but I dont want this dog being put down. It's not her fault. She doesn't deserve this life. A link, a video, I'll even take a prayer at this point! We are in the Massachusetts area, if you know of any helpful facilities, please let me know.

[@Harsh-hs5yu]

This video taught me more about starting a campfire than training my dog !

[@sebringiton]

Here is a question that probably has a simple answer that I am not seeing. How do I stop or prevent my dog from pooping in my car? Before we go anywhere, Jack(dog) is let outside on a tie out into the backyard while I get the car ready. But after 10 minutes in the car he poops. It is only on my car. We take Jack in the backseat of the truck: never poops. My Kurgo is getting washed everytime. Do I need to walk Jack before I drive us to walk/hike?

[@thebiblemessenger]

Inertia finally back

[@StayAtHomeMeme]

My husband brought home a 9 month old German Shepard 2 weeks ago and I’m doing all the training by myself because he’s always at work but we also have 3 kids, another dog and a cat, so it’s been hectic and near impossible to train without distractions lol. It’s slow going but she’s made amazing progress in only 2 weeks and since she was a rescue and has been taught NOTHING before coming to us (Not even sit) we had to start from scratch. Now she can sit, lay down, stay, not run out the door/crate / etc, and she’s now house trained (all in 2 weeks) But I’m having trouble getting her to stop nipping at my kids hands and feet. I’ve trained her not to do it to me and my husband but she still nips the kids constantly. How do I get her to stop?!?! And why only the kids? I don’t get it.

[@CS-Sunshine]

Ok this is annoying. The analogy is overkill. You have lost my interest. I’m halfway through this and have learned nothing!!!! I don’t understand the hype with this guy. Get to the point!!

[@DiegoAndrade-yz1ku]

I know you love her but she was Bred to herd and it’s in their instinct that’s why you had to work really hard to get her to ignore the elk. The best thing for her to be happy is to have her work with sheep. Have you ever tried doing that with any of you’re border collies?