My rules when training!

• Always end on a high – always finish when your dog has done what you want, then reward and celebrate. This will make the next training session much easier as they remember it as a fun experience.
• The more energy you give the more your dog will give you!
• The more you interact with your dog, the stronger your bond will become. Spend quality time engaging in activities your dog enjoys, such as playing fetch, going for walks, or teaching new tricks.
• Provide mental stimulation by introducing puzzle toys, interactive games, or training sessions that challenge your dog’s mind.
• Vary your routine to keep things interesting. Explore new walking routes, visit different parks, or try out new activities together.
• Socialize your dog with other dogs and people to promote confidence and good behavior in different environments.
• Ensure your dog has a balanced diet, regular exercise, and access to veterinary care to maintain their physical health and overall well-being.
• Create a safe and comfortable environment at home, including a cozy bed, appropriate toys, and designated spaces for relaxation.
• Listen to your dog’s needs and preferences, and adjust your interactions and activities accordingly.
• Consistently reinforce positive behavior with praise, treats, or toys to encourage desired actions and build trust.
• Stay patient, consistent, and understanding throughout the training process, and remember that every dog is unique and learns at their own pace.

When it comes to training your puppy or dog there are three things I always keep in mind. The first and one of the most important is Mood. Your mood when training your dog can affect the whole session. Dogs can sense the chemical change in your body, this can range from stress, anxiety to anger. So if you’re training and feel yourself getting frustrated and/or short tempered, change your mood to be clam, happy and relaxed or stop training to the moment.

Our mood affects our dogs behaviour. If you are feeling unmotivated don’t train that day and go for a walk, have some cuddles or just have some play time (see my blog about Fun and Affective Ways to Wear Out your Puppy! also great for adult dogs by clicking this link https://bit.ly/33CBagU).

Second is the Energy you bring when training. High energy levels can get a dog more focused and increase enthusiasm about training. While low energy can mean that your dog will most likely ignore you and find something more interesting to do. I love using high energy as a reward by simply having a fun game after a training session. Lacey loves toys, so I have a couple toys she can only play with when training – this makes the toy and the game super exiting to her (I learned this from a trainer working with police dogs).

The last thing is Patience and to remember when you’re learning something new you don’t learn it in seconds. We even have instruction sheets and videos we can watch to help. Dogs only have us and if they aren’t understanding we have to use another technique, slow down, or break the skill into smaller steps. You also have to be patient with yourself. Once you find a way to communicate with your dog, all they want to do is please us.

Happy training!

Sarah