Training a dog can be a rewarding experience. A dog can be taught to perform many fun tricks and even participate in dog sports. Some dog sports include agility courses where the dog must jump over hurdles and weave through poles. If you want to get more out of your dog’s training sessions, follow these tips.
Keeping training sessions short and fun
It’s important to keep your puppy’s training sessions short and focused. Because a puppy’s attention span is short, training sessions should only last a few minutes. Taking a break every few minutes to reward a successful training session will help keep your puppy focused and prevent boredom.
Another tip is to use checklists. While some people use detailed training planners, others prefer a more free-form approach. Regardless, preparing in advance can save you a great deal of time. Make a list of things your dog already knows and what it wants to learn. If the lists overlap, pick one item from each column.
Getting all members of the household on the same page
Getting all members of the household on the right page when training a dog is essential if you’re going to succeed in overcoming difficult behavioral challenges and teaching new skills to the dog. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn dog that refuses to listen to you or an obedient pet, the entire household must be on the same page and understand the importance of consistency when it comes to training.
It’s very important to meet with everyone in the household when training a dog and discuss the rules that need to be followed. A dog can get confused when different family members have different ideas about what is acceptable and what isn’t. For instance, one member may want to feed the dog from the table while another wants it on the couch. When deciding on the training schedule, all members of the household should be in agreement about the command to be used.
Teaching a new skill instead of changing your dog’s relationship with an object
When teaching a new skill, you should reward your dog for doing it. This can be done with praise or food treats. If your dog has a favorite toy, you can also use it as a reward.
It is important to understand that you should not use outdated concepts, such as “alpha” or “pack,” in your training. These concepts were developed in the 1950s and 60s but have been shown to be harmful to a dog’s emotional well-being. Rather, teach a new skill by changing your dog’s relationship with an object.
