“Use a variety of training rewards for motivation”

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  • Create a safe and designated space for your dog

    Provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog, such as a crate or a designated area in your home. Make this space inviting with soft bedding, toys, and a calming atmosphere. This gives your dog a place to retreat and feel secure when needed.

  • Provide regular exercise to prevent behavioral issues

    Exercise is essential for your dog's physical and mental well-being. Engage in regular activities such as walks, runs, play sessions, or interactive toys to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog.

  • Teach your dog to "leave it" for their safety

    The "leave it" command is invaluable for preventing your dog from picking up potentially harmful objects or consuming something they shouldn't.

  • Practice handling exercises to make vet visits easier

    Regularly practice gentle handling exercises with your dog, such as touching their paws, ears, and mouth. This helps them become comfortable with being examined, making vet visits and grooming sessions less stressful for both of you.

  • Teach your dog to wait calmly at doorways

    Teach your dog to wait politely at doorways instead of rushing through. Start by asking them to sit or stay before opening the door. This helps prevent door-dashing and promotes self-control.

  • Create a consistent daily routine for your dog

    Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Establish a consistent daily routine for feeding, exercise, training, and rest. This structure provides stability, reduces anxiety, and helps your dog feel secure and balanced.

  • Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys and games

    Physical exercise is important, but mental stimulation is equally crucial for your dog's well-being. Use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games to engage your dog's mind. This helps prevent boredom, reduces destructive behaviors, and promotes mental sharpness.

  • Avoid punishment-based training methods

    Using punishment or harsh corrections can have negative effects on your dog's behavior and trust in you. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. This creates a positive learning environment and strengthens your bond with your dog.

  • Make recall a reliable command

    A strong recall command is essential for your dog's safety. Train a recall cue, such as "come" or their name, using positive reinforcement. Make coming to you a rewarding experience by providing treats, praise, and play whenever they respond to the recall command.

  • Work with markers and time them correctly

    Marker training is a powerful tool that uses a distinct sound like "YES" (or sometimes from a handheld clicker) to mark desired behaviors. Pair the mark with treats to provide precise feedback to your dog, helping them understand the exact moment they did something right.

  • Practice commands in different environments for generalisation

    Dogs need to understand commands in various contexts, not just in a controlled training environment. Practice commands in different locations, such as parks or busy streets, to help your dog generalise the behavior and respond reliably.

  • Set realistic expectations for your dog's training progress

    Every dog learns at their own pace, so it's important to set realistic expectations. Some commands or behaviors may take longer to master than others. Stay patient, consistent, and celebrate small victories along the way. Keep increasing criteria slowly and step by step. 

  • Use high-value treats for more challenging commands

    Harness the power of high-value treats! When tackling tricky commands or recall training in a distractive environment, mix it up with enticing treats like chicken or cheese. Your dog's focus will skyrocket! 

  • Reward good behavior immediately to reinforce it

    Timing is crucial when it comes to rewarding your dog's behavior. The reward must be delivered immediately after your dog performs the desired behavior to reinforce the association. This instant reinforcement helps your dog understand which behaviors are desirable and increases the likelihood of them repeating those behaviors in the future.

  • Practice leash manners for enjoyable walks

    Walking on a leash is an essential skill for every dog. Teach your dog to walk politely without pulling on the leash. Start in a low-distraction environment and reward them for walking by your side. Gradually introduce more distractions, such as other dogs or interesting smells, and reinforce the desired behavior. This creates an enjoyable walking experience for both you and your furry friend.

  • Socialize your dog from a young age to improve their behavior

    Correct (!) socialization is crucial for raising a well-adjusted and confident dog. Expose your puppy to various environments, people, animals, and situations early on and combine with good experiences. This exposure helps them develop positive associations and reduces the likelihood of fear or aggression towards new experiences. 

  • Keep training sessions short and frequent for better results

    Dogs have limited attention spans, so it's best to keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for sessions that last around 10-15 minutes, multiple times a day. This approach helps maintain your dog's engagement and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed or losing interest. Short, frequent sessions yield better results over time.

  • Be patient and understanding with your dog's learning process

    Just like humans, dogs learn at their own pace. Each dog is unique and may require more time to grasp certain commands or behaviors. Patience and understanding are essential during the training process. Avoid becoming frustrated or resorting to punishment. Instead, celebrate small victories and be consistent in your guidance and support.

  • Start training your dog as early as possible

    Early training sets a strong foundation for your dog's behavior and obedience. Puppies have a natural inclination to learn, so introducing basic commands, socialization, and positive experiences from an early age is highly beneficial. It helps prevent unwanted behaviors and ensures a well-rounded, well-behaved adult dog.

  • Use positive reinforcement to motivate your dog

    Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog training. By rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or play for exhibiting desired behaviors, you motivate them to repeat those behaviors in the future. This method creates a positive association with training and strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion.

  • Consistency is key in dog training

    Consistency is crucial when it comes to training your dog. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, so it's important to use the same commands and reward system consistently. By being consistent in your expectations, you'll help your dog understand what behaviors are desired and reinforce their learning process.

  • Use a calm and clear tone when giving commands

    Dogs are body language communicators. Pay attention to how you say your commands and keep it the same. Always pair the command with desired movement. Avoid shouting or sounding uncertain, as it won’t do any good.