What Dog Training Can Teach Us About Parenting: Expert Talk With Brady Foulk

We have a special guest joining us—Brady Foulk, an expert in dog training and coaching. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or considering your first family pet, this episode is packed with insights to help create a harmonious relationship with your canine companion. Tune in and let’s get started!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Understand why bribing or intimidating dogs is ineffective long-term. Learn to use communication and inspiration for lasting results.
2. Hear about Brady’s experience seeking expert guidance from Susan Garrett and how professional training can transform dog behavior.
3. Discover how dogs can learn extensive vocabularies and even form sentences to express their needs, as seen in TikTok videos.
4. Learn about the natural abilities of different breeds, like the herding instinct in border collies, and how to train them accordingly.
5. Get advice on preparing for a family dog by starting with smaller pets, managing expectations, and honestly assessing your family’s ability to care for a pet.

Hello, Great Dad Talks community! I’m Paul Banas, your host, and I’m thrilled to share insights from our recent episode featuring Brady Foulk, an expert in dog training. Brady’s journey and expertise offer invaluable lessons not only for dog owners but for anyone considering adding a furry friend to their family. Let’s dive into some of the key takeaways from our engaging conversation.

Bribes and Intimidation: Not a Long-Term Fix

One of the first things Brady emphasized was the common misconception about training dogs through bribes or intimidation. “Trying to bribe or intimidate a dog may work in the short term, but it’s not an effective long-term solution,” he explained. Brady shared a personal experience where he initially attempted to bribe his dog, which led to more challenges. “I learned that effective communication and inspiration are key to teaching my dog good behavior,” he added.

The Importance of Professional Help

After a particularly challenging incident where Brady’s dog caused damage at home, he sought help from Susan Garrett, a world agility champion. This decision was pivotal. “I began learning how to train dogs through online programs and in-person lessons,” Brady mentioned.

Here are some key pointers from Brady on finding effective training methods:

• Seek advice from professional trainers.
• Utilize online training programs.
• Enroll in in-person lessons if possible.
• Understand your dog’s breed-specific behaviors and abilities.

Dogs’ Learning Capabilities

Brady also shed light on the underestimated learning capabilities of dogs. “An average dog can learn 165 words,” he noted. He highlighted examples like dogs on TikTok forming sentences to convey their desires and needs, such as “help, tummy hurts” before vomiting.

Key Learnings:

• Dogs can display syntactic correctness in communication.
• Their ability to form sentences may stem from human influence.
• Breeds like border collies have innate skills for specific tasks.

Training Techniques and Behavior Shaping

Brady uses a combination of NLP and ABA therapy to train dogs, emphasizing conditioning, capturing, and shaping behavior. He explained, “Dogs and humans have similar brain functions related to decision-making and thoughtfulness.”

To train effectively:

• Start with small tasks and gradually build skills.
• Use verbal cues to link behaviors.
• Consider dogs’ ability to learn different languages and use communication buttons.

Managing Expectations with Dog Ownership

For those considering getting a dog, especially families with children, Brady had some crucial advice. “Starting small and progressively moving to more demanding pets is wise,” he advised. Begin with pets like fish or guinea pigs before transitioning to a dog. Brady emphasized, “Don’t have the illusion that the child will do all the work; manage expectations realistically.”

Advice for Prospective Pet Owners:

• Assess your family’s capacity for pet care honestly.
• Start with easier pets to gauge responsibility levels.
• Provide positive feedback to encourage responsible behavior.

Brady’s insights remind us that both people and dogs can adapt and grow if given the right guidance and support. He offers online and in-person dog training services in Austin, Texas, and across the country, illustrating his commitment to fostering healthy human-animal relationships.

In Brady’s words, “All people can change if they want to.” Remember, the journey of pet ownership is one of mutual learning and growth. Assess your family’s readiness, seek professional help when needed, and enjoy the rewarding experience of nurturing a bond with your pet.