Training Tips
Are you about to start a training session? Let’s get you and your dog ready for success.
Are you relaxed and comfortable? Put away the electronics, put on your comfortable shoes, get your training treats/toys ready in your pocket, and then you are ready.
Is your dog relaxed and comfortable? Is he healthy and ready to train?
Get your dog’s attention and settle him down before you start.
Remember it is your job as a trainer to motivate your dog and to make sure he is happy to be your training buddy.
Think about how you communicate with your dog. Every dog is different; even two dogs within one family might require you to use different techniques.
Use a pleasant voice and happy body language as part of your communication tools.
Be extremely patient……… training takes time! It’s worth it. If you feel frustrated, keep it to yourself. Use that energy to think of why your training is not being successful.
Concentrate on positive training. Reward the positive, and redirect the negative.
Be consistent in the way you train. Always use the same words and signals for each exercise.
Be careful not to reward unwanted behaviour, but be sure to reward the right behaviour IMMEDIATELY.
When a command is given, the dog must complete the exercise even if it takes several attempts.
Be firm but kind. Your dog will benefit from your leadership and positive direction.
Vary your training routines so that the dog does not become bored.
Check your collar or harness at intervals to make sure it is in the right position.
Don’t expect too much! Reward each and every little success, no matter how small. Next time, the success will be just a little bit greater…
Always finish training on a happy note with a game or huge cuddle.
Training is a great way to create a bond between you and your dog.
· Make sure that training is FUN for both you and your dog. It is a hobby, and not a challenge or a chore
Don’t overtrain your dog, so that he hates training sessions. Just a few minutes at a time are sufficient.
Find out what your dog responds to – what does he like? What can you use as a reward after training? It might be a ball-game, a cuddle or a food reward.
If you or your dog is exhausted but the lesson has not finished yet, it is okay to step out and rest. You can learn a great deal from watching others. Don’t overwork your dog! You don’t need to ask permission – it is up to you to know your own dog and its needs.
Let’s communicate!
We don’t need to yell at our dogs. If they don’t respond to your commands, it is probably YOUR fault.
Your dog may not know you are talking to him (say his name first!).
He may not understand you (more explanation is needed – he is not a mind-reader).
You may be using a word that he does not recognise (make sure you use the same commands every time!).
Be clear that you are not ASKING your dog to obey you. You are (gently) TELLING him to obey you, and that you will be very happy when he does obey. He will want to please you.
Have patience… It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.
Some days your dog will work brilliantly. Other days he will be as silly as a wheel, and will act as though he has had no training at all.
Don’t panic. Think of your own childhood. It’s probably just part of growing up, and things will improve.
Canine Good Citizen – The Responsible Owner’s Pledge
I agree to take care of our dog’s health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. I also agree to show responsibility by cleaning up after my dog in public places and never letting my dog infringe on the rights of others.
To be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog will:
Accept a friendly stranger
Sit politely for petting
Allow examination by a Veterinarian and handling by a Groomer.
Walk on a loose lead
Walk calmly through a crowd
Sit and down on command and stay in place
Come when called
React calmly to another dog
React calmly to distraction
React calmly to supervised separation
Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen.