Training your dog is one of your top priorities of having a dog in your life. It must be done whether you are training for competitions or just so your new dog companion can live in harmony with you. With these insider hacks to make training fun for your dog, you can ensure that you and your dog enjoy the training sessions and create a trusting bond.
Decide on Your Training Method
Once you have decided on your training method, find a reputable trainer to help you learn how to train your dog. I thoroughly recommend using Positive Reinforcement Training. A good trainer will teach you how to communicate with your dog and get the most out of the training.
Positive Reinforcement trainers consider the dog’s welfare and want to help you build a trusting bond with your dog. They use the most up-to-date scientific-based theories to help train your dog without causing fear, pain or damage to the dog/human bond.
Set Aside Time For Training
Training your dog takes time. The sessions with the trainer should be practised daily with your dog. Depending on your dog’s age, a few minutes of training a few times a day will go a long way.
Some dogs learn faster than others, and some dogs need things broken down into smaller steps to learn. A good trainer will help you if you need lessons broken down and can advise you on any concerns.
Make sure that you choose a time when you don’t have to rush the training, and go at your dog’s pace.
Play First, Train Later, Then Play Again
Training is easier for your dog if they have burned off some excess energy first. This is especially true for younger dogs and puppies. A short play session before you start training can help your dog concentrate better, as it will be more relaxed.
After training for 5 minutes, finish off with a game of fetch or tug. A fun game allows your dog to associate working with you as a positive experience. Positive experiences ensure your dog will want to work with you again. The bonus is that it’ll be fun for you too and strengthen the human/dog bond.
Control Your Dogs Environment
Training should always begin in a low-distraction environment; this allows your dog to focus on you. A quiet room at home is a good place to start training. Set your dog up for success every step of the way. Success breeds confidence, which, in turn, gives your dog the enthusiasm and willingness to learn more.
Slowly add distractions as your dog becomes more competent in the training. When your dog is skilled inside the home, you can move outside the home – again, begin in a low-distraction environment and slowly increase distractions as your dog becomes more confident in training.
If you notice your dog becoming unsure or anxious over something, allow your dog to move away from the stressor. Don’t be afraid to tell people that your dog is unsure and that you are training. Most people will understand if you tell them politely.
There is nothing wrong with removing your dog and yourself from a situation. Allowing your dog to become stressed or anxious can set your training back. Once your dog is calm, give it lots of praise and reward.
Be Aware Of Your Emotional State
We’re human; sometimes, we’re short on patience or having a bad day. Dogs have evolved to be tuned into our emotional state. If you’re feeling frustrated or impatient, your dog will pick it up. Your dog may be confused and unsure of what you are asking them to do, as your emotional state may not match your words or intentions.
It’s best not to attempt training when you’re feeling this way. Take a break, let your dog play or run around, and do a short training session when you’re in a better frame of mind.
Praise and Reward
The secret to fun training for your dog is celebrating every success, no matter how small. Give your dog lots of praise and rewards for each achievement. The more you praise and reward your dog, the more positive and enjoyable the experience will be for your dog. Reinforcing good choices for your dog will encourage your dog to keep making those choices. Repeated behaviours become a habit which your dog will choose every time.
Even if your dog doesn’t get it quite right, ask it to do something you know it can do, and celebrate that. The more positive you keep the training, the more fun it will be for your dog.
Utilise The Playfulness Of Your Dog
Rewards don’t have to be food – food is usually the easiest option for training as all dogs enjoy food; however, some dogs prefer toys. Your dog’s motivation – food, toys, praise or a game- is what it likes; using these motivators will make your dog enjoy the training. And to keep it from getting boring, alternate the motivators.
Finish off the training sessions by engaging in a game with your dog. Simply playing games and engaging with your dog will significantly strengthen your bond and make it fun for your dog to be around you.
Have fun and enjoy the time you spend with your dog – your dog will pick up on your happiness, fuelling its desire to be with you to learn.
You may find these articles helpful:
Leave a Reply