End the “Unless/Until” Dog: What a Trained Dog Really Is (and How to Get There)
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In this Off Leash and Unfiltered episode, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—defines what “trained” actually means: first-time compliance, even with distractions. If your dog is “good… unless” (squirrels, people, dogs), you’re not finished. Kati lays out the finish line (reliable sit, down, come that hold until released), why bribes stall progress, and how adding fair accountability—rehearsed on a long line—turns optional commands into non-negotiables.
Episode Highlights
- Define “trained” honestly: First ask = first response, with distractions; holds until released. If not, you’re not done.
- Set the bar you actually want: It’s not “mean” to want 100% recalls and solid downs—most dogs can achieve this.
- The core four: Sit, Down, Come (to you, directly) and default polite leash walking; Place optional but helpful.
- Bribes won’t finish it: Ever-bigger treats create dependency and panic moments; they rarely produce durable reliability.
- Accountability is the unlock: Once a dog knows the cue, a clear consequence for non-compliance makes you outrank the environment.
- Train it safely: Rehearse with a 15–50 ft long line so you can guide, follow through, and avoid off-leash “teaching” mistakes.
- Consistency builds belief: Several meaningful, predictable consequences teach “ignoring = uncomfortable,” so compliance becomes the easy choice.
- Bad associations aren’t permanent: If you mis-pattern something, overwrite it with new reps and clearer guidance.
- Calm, not angry: Use unemotional, physical consequences (often via e-collar) rather than yelling; you become the dog’s safe place.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 01:24 – “Smart dog… until/unless.” Why that means you’re not finished training.
- 02:31 – What is a trained dog? First-time compliance, not perfection or robot behavior.
- 03:33 – Don’t feel “mean” for wanting high standards—define your goal honestly.
- 04:34 – The recall benchmark: 100% to you, even with dogs, birds, balls, or beach chaos.
- 05:19 – Most goals are attainable; complacency stalls progress.
- 06:11 – Our standard: sit/down/come hold until released; default leash manners.
- 07:16 – Courtesy & safety: why unreliable recalls and off-leash greetings aren’t okay.
- 08:42 – “He comes when called” is meaningless without context (distance/distractions).
- 10:27 – Leash walking clarity ≠ constant cueing; prong + leash communication.
- 11:18 – Missing piece is accountability—not more food.
- 12:44 – Limits of bribery: logistics, safety, and why dependency persists.
- 13:20 – Add consequence after the dog knows the cue; priority shifts to you.
- 16:04 – Long-line rehearsals: how to enforce recalls before risking off-leash.
- 18:19 – Make patterns meaningful every time; “so-so” consistency = so-so results.
- 19:41 – The payoff: they listen—because history says ignoring is uncomfortable.
- 21:09 – Why off-leash e-collar “teaching” without a line backfires; keep a handle.
- 22:22 – It’s normal: without accountability, cues stay optional.
- 23:40 – Fixing bad associations (e.g., fence/stairs): guide new patterns; stop coddling.
- 25:25 – Your rules aren’t real until backed by tangible consequences.
- 27:02 – Calm consequence over yelling; dog runs to you as the safe place.
- 28:38 – Final charge: set the standard, add accountability, and finish the job.