Pup training ABC’s – How to get your puppy to understand what you want

 

 

Pup training foundations: Creating Great Conversation with your Canine

What’s in it for dogs?

The first step in training is to identify whether your dog is motivated to talk to you. Think about what you are offering in return for work and choose a salary that you know your dog can’t refuse.

Some salary options are:

*Note: Pats and praise should always be free and should never be part of a salary package.

How long should a training session be?

Long training sessions can be boring and typically end with your dog (and you) becoming frustrated and losing interested. The shorter the training session the more likely you can both finish with a ‘win’. Start with three 1-2 minute long sessions each day.

Where should training take place?

Set your dog up for success by training in a low distraction environment, such as inside your home. As your dog learns the desired behaviour, gradually increase the level of distraction.

Finish on a ‘win’:

It is easy to become frustrated when your dog does not appear to understand what you want. If things are not working, ask your dog to do something really easy e.g. ‘sit’, reward heavily and finish the training session.

It is easy to get carried away when your dog is doing wonderful work. Avoid over-doing it and finish while things are good to ensure you preserve your dog’s good work ethic.

Train like no one’s watching!

Training should be fun. If your dog learns best when you are enthusiastically leaping about….. then do it!

Tick tock, timing is everything…

 

Improve the quality of your conversation with your dog by using a marker

What is a marker?

What can I use for a marker?

What marker is the best fit for me and my dog?

Choose a marker that:

 

How does my dog learn the marker?

The goal is for your dog to learn that the marker predicts a treat is coming. For this to work the:


Follow these two simple steps to teach a marker:

Step 1. Say the word/click and instantly deliver a treat into your dog’s mouth.

Step 2. Repeat 2-3 times daily for 30 seconds at a time and until you see your dog is excited the instant it hears the sound.

Step 3. Use the marker to increase the frequency of behaviour’s you like by ‘marking’ (and rewarding ) the instant your dog performs the target behaviour.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CREATING CONVERSATION PDF

 

For Further Reading:

Understanding your puppy

Listen to me!

Dog training courses

What issues are you
having with your pet?