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Training Tips From Beth!
Tip # 1: Should my dog and I take group classes or private lessons?
The answer depends on your goals and your dog's personality. If you have problems beyond the basic skills taught in classes or your dog has difficulty being with other dogs or people, you may want to take some private lessons. However, to build a dog's social skills, a group class that uses only positive training methods is best. It's best to call around to dog training classes in your area and go and sit in on a class. If something happens where you feel uncomfortable-leave. However if you look around and see dogs and people smiling and having fun, it must be a great place to be.
Tip # 2: How important are treats in training?
Treats are almost more important than your leash. Treats are your dog's paycheck for learning new behaviors performing those behaviors time after time, with or without distractions. Treats are also your way of communicating to your dog "Yes, that's exactly what I want!" Treats help bond the two of you in training and learning and they are the only way to ensure that your dog will listen, even if a leash isn't attached to him. Of course, the best kind of treats are healthy, all natural treats with nutritional value. There a lots of healthy treats on the market these days. We sell many of them on our website. Check the ingredients to avoid unnatural ingredients. Meat should always be the first ingredient in your treats (or your dog food).
Tip # 3: What are the "basics" in Basic Obedience training?
The basics are "sit", "lie-down", "stay", "come" and "walking without pulling". A good training class or method also teaches "control" and "leave-it" which we believe to be essential! All of the basic exercises taught in basic obedience classes have a practical value and they are also the human's first chance to have a new communication with a puppy or a newly rescued dog.
Tip # 4: Is it important to have "goals" when starting your dog training?
Yes, but your goals may change! Your primary goal may be to have a dog that is well behaved and learns to "come" when called, but once you start your training, you may have greater goals, like agility competitions, formal Competition Obedience or Rally Obedience. Whatever your goals, be sure they include positive reinforcement training and lots of fun with your dog!
Tip # 5: My dog doesn't seem to like treats. How can I train positively if he won't take food?
We get that question a fair amount!! Most people that say that have only tried the traditional dog treats or cookies sold at grocery stores. Not only are these NOT healthy, they do not offer enough variety. Some dogs may be pickier than others, so feed a variety of healthy treats (you'll will use a lot with positive training). Don't rule out real meat from your own leftovers or good quality deli meat cut up into small cubes. One great thing you can do with real meat for training is cut it up and put it in Ziploc bags and store in the freezer. Whenever you are ready to train just take out a bag. Also, always train with a hungry dog. Try not feeding him his dinner before class!
Tip # 6: What are the most important "tools" I need to train my dog?
1. Good reference materials to teach you how to train your dog (consider my DVD It's PAWSible! available at www.itspawsible.com)
2. Healthy, all-natural training treats.
3. A treat bag to carry the treats in (bait bag) that you can hang from your belt or attach to your pocket.
4. A motivated person (that's you) and a hungry dog!
Tip # 7: Reinforcing good behavior with food rewards
Always reward
1) good performance of basic commands,
2) when your dog comes when called,
3) when your dog does something brilliant like choosing not to jump on your counters!
When figuring out what and when to reward, consider rewarding approximations of good behaviors. Remember that your dog is learning just like you! With your enthusiasm, praise and treats, they will learn!
Tip # 8: What is the first "command" you should teach your dog?
Your dog's name!!! This is the most important word your dog should know and love! Teach your dog his or her name by placing containers of treats around your house where your dog can't get them. Over the course of the day, say your dog's name several times, and every! time he looks at you, give him a treat! If you do this for several days, you will find your dog has an instant "head turn" towards you when you say his name. This is beneficial for every command, but especially for teaching your dog to come every time you call him! So, go have some fun with your dog!
Tip # 9: Do dogs speak English?
Dogs speak dog. However, they definitely learn the meaning of some words and phrases. Use this to your advantage. To teach your dog to come when called or to help your dog view you as "the giver of all good things", repeat these and other fun phrases: "Want to go for a walk?" "Are you hungry?" "Want to go for a ride?" "Are you ready?" After your dog hears these questions routinely, you'll see an enthusiasm that you will love!
Tip # 10: While teaching "sit"and using a treat as a lure, what do I do when my dog bites my fingers to get the treat?
If your dog jumps up to get the treat while teaching "sit", don't keep pulling the treat away, it will only make him try harder and it will cause your dog to bite your finger. The first several treats, deliver them quickly to your dog's mouth. When you feel teeth, don't panic and try to allow the feel of his teeth. Be patient, your dog will learn that your fingers begin where the treat ends. You can also try saying "easy" or "gentle" whenever you give a treat. Wait until you feel your dog licking your fingers before you let him have it. Try putting your treats in a fist rather than two fingers at first. That will also help.
Tip # 11: How often do I need to train for a "new behavior" to stick?
When teaching a new behavior or practicing newly learned commands, repeat successful performances about 5 times per session. However, be careful not to drill your dog. Keep your sessions to 5 minutes or less. Repetition is more important than length of session, so that it is always seen as fun, not stressful. Also, once your dog appears to have learned the behavior, take the show on the road. Practice in new places. You may have go to go back a few steps like use more treats or even go back to luring behaviors but it will come quickly. Just be patient and have fun and your dog will too!
Tip # 12: How about you? What skill(s) do you need to train your dog?
The most important skill you can have when training your dog is patience! Remain quiet and calm while your dog is learning a new behavior. When he gets it, "throw a party, a BIG party!" with lots of awesome treats and praise! Don't worry, the other people in the class won't think your crazy or over the top, you're just trying to train your dog. Also don't shout the command repeatedly at the dog. A command given once in a firm but normal tone of voice is best. So, go have some fun with your dog!
Beth Ostrowski-Parks, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CT (since 1993)
It's PAWSible! Dog Training Center
413-527-7364
www.itspawsible.com
Email: info@itspawsible.com
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