General Tips
1) Don't over do it. Dogs have a short attention span; regular practise is more effective than long sessions. Mental effort and concentration can be more tiring than a walk. Aim for about five minutes, two or three times a day. If you get three good responses for an exercise, move on to something else, or call it a day. Always finish on a positive note, even if you have to go back to an exercise the dog has already mastered.
2) Have fun! If you enjoy training your dog, they will enjoy it too. If you find yourself getting cross or frustrated, take a break or play a game instead. Like people, dogs learn better if they are enjoying it. Everyone has 'off days' and dogs are no exception. there is nothing wrong with leaving training to another time if your dog (or you!) is really not in the mood.
3) Training does not happen overnight. All dogs are different and may pick up one command instantly, yet struggle with another for months. It can be frustrating, but you must persevere and be calm and consistent. Everyone must use the same command for the same request.
4) Training is not a short term fix. Dogs can and should learn throughout their lives and reinforcing even the basic commands from time to time doesn't hurt. Vary the commands, e.g. ask your dog to sit with your back turned, or while standing further away. Again, enjoy it, see what you and your dog can achieve.
5) Be realistic. When teaching your dog any new command, remember that he doesn't understand English. You must show him what you want, putting the word to it when he is in position. Once he understands, you can ask him to do it. For example, saying "sit" while your dog is standing could lead to your dog thinking a stand is actually a sit and it can be hard to change a habit.
6) Always reward good behaviour. A reward may be a treat, a toy, your voice or touch. A reward must be given within two seconds of the behaviour occurring or he won't know what he is being praised for.
7) Punishment is not recommended in dog training, as the dog doesn't understand right and wrong like people do and the timing of a punishment is crucial. Scolding a dog for the mess he made in your absence will simply cause him to fear your return and may make the problem worse.
8) NEVER HIT YOUR DOG. Hitting a dog is counterproductive and unacceptable.
9) Find something your dog will really work for - a tasty treat or a favourite toy - and keep it only for training, so that your dog will be more eagerto work hard for the reward.
10) Keep it simple. Commands should be one word where possible - sit, down, stand, stay etc. Don't get into the habit of saying "sit down", "lie down" and "get down from the sofa", as your dog will be confused by the use of 'down' in three different commands. Tell him "off" if he jumps up people or onto the sofa and stick with "sit" and "down" for the others.
2) Have fun! If you enjoy training your dog, they will enjoy it too. If you find yourself getting cross or frustrated, take a break or play a game instead. Like people, dogs learn better if they are enjoying it. Everyone has 'off days' and dogs are no exception. there is nothing wrong with leaving training to another time if your dog (or you!) is really not in the mood.
3) Training does not happen overnight. All dogs are different and may pick up one command instantly, yet struggle with another for months. It can be frustrating, but you must persevere and be calm and consistent. Everyone must use the same command for the same request.
4) Training is not a short term fix. Dogs can and should learn throughout their lives and reinforcing even the basic commands from time to time doesn't hurt. Vary the commands, e.g. ask your dog to sit with your back turned, or while standing further away. Again, enjoy it, see what you and your dog can achieve.
5) Be realistic. When teaching your dog any new command, remember that he doesn't understand English. You must show him what you want, putting the word to it when he is in position. Once he understands, you can ask him to do it. For example, saying "sit" while your dog is standing could lead to your dog thinking a stand is actually a sit and it can be hard to change a habit.
6) Always reward good behaviour. A reward may be a treat, a toy, your voice or touch. A reward must be given within two seconds of the behaviour occurring or he won't know what he is being praised for.
7) Punishment is not recommended in dog training, as the dog doesn't understand right and wrong like people do and the timing of a punishment is crucial. Scolding a dog for the mess he made in your absence will simply cause him to fear your return and may make the problem worse.
8) NEVER HIT YOUR DOG. Hitting a dog is counterproductive and unacceptable.
9) Find something your dog will really work for - a tasty treat or a favourite toy - and keep it only for training, so that your dog will be more eagerto work hard for the reward.
10) Keep it simple. Commands should be one word where possible - sit, down, stand, stay etc. Don't get into the habit of saying "sit down", "lie down" and "get down from the sofa", as your dog will be confused by the use of 'down' in three different commands. Tell him "off" if he jumps up people or onto the sofa and stick with "sit" and "down" for the others.
