WAYS TO GRASP YOUR DOGS MIND
CONGRATS
You have made your first step in the right direction.... CONGRATS!
Think of the next couple of weeks as a test. Try your best to incorporate the training into your lives, stimulate your dog's mind, and create an amazing bond with your dog.
We are going to ask you to commit to this training program.... its more about you than your dog.
First thing is first... Think of your dog like a teenager. Do they get to come and go as they please? Do you spoil them? Do they live without consequence and without learning the rewards and lessons of hard work? Teach them, Remind them, Be accountable for showing them how doing a good job can feel good!!!
Think of your dog's food as an allowance. Make them work for every morsel. Whether it is handfuls of food or one at a time. Mix it up.
DON'T BE PREDICTABLE.
Ditch The Food Bowl
(or plate)
Some Fun Ideas
1.
Scatter your dog's food in the grass. Get them to use their nose to find their food.
2.
Put your dog in a command (sit, down or place) and go hide kibble around the house. Release your dog and let them go find it. (Start easy) (you may have to wait until after your 2nd class for this one)
3.
Drop food out of your hand. Get your dog to use their amazing reflexes and learn to catch them as they fall. (Don't throw them up in the air)
4.
Use handfuls of your dog's food for 'Watch me' or other tricks & commands.
5.
Put your dog in a command and surround them with their food. Be Careful not to let them get any until they are released.
6.
Throw one or two kibbles away from you, and then call your dog by name. When they get to you, give them a handful of food. YOU=BIG REWARD (We also suggest having a party when they get to you)
7.
Teach them a new trick with their food.
For everything they need want and love: (Make them do a command or trick)
-
Getting Pet
-
Getting Treats
-
Letting them on the furniture
-
Taking them on a walk
-
Letting them outside
-
Taking them on a car ride
Teach your dog to be comfortable being separated from you- while you are home. The best time is when you are cooking and eating dinner. Put them in a crate, or practice a place command.
Some demands dogs do (and dominant behaviours)
-
Barking and Whining at you for attention
-
Nose nudging
-
Jumping on you
-
Pawing at you
-
Sitting on you
-
Standing over you
-
Humping
Change can be uncomfortable, and doing something new can feel awkward and weird.
Allow yourself to try new things- without excuses. "Failing" and not doing things "perfect" the first time is part of the learning process.
Expect Progress, NOT
Perfection.
MAKE YOUR
DOG WORK
SEPARATE YOUR
DOG FOR AT
LEAST AN HOUR
A DAY- WHILE YOU ARE HOME.
DON'T GIVE
INTO DEMANDS!
AIM FOR
SUCCESS
REWARDS-TREATS
If your dog gets the same reward for doing something that they did perfectly and something they did with 5 corrections- they will not strive for perfection.
AFTER THE INITIAL
LEARNING PHASE
(Which you are past at this point)
Only reward for the behaviours you want. Be Diligent!!!
UP YOUR
PERFECTION LEVEL
Dogs are incredibly smart. Most of us do not even touch the limits of how smart our dogs really are. If you keep making excuses for why they don't do something, then they never will. You need to believe in your dog and yourself.
Expect more...
from both of you.
When you tell your dog to sit, make sure that they do so.
This is SOOOO very important for both those sensitive/scared dogs.. and also for dogs that seem stable.
Learn how fast we can make a situation negative, without even knowing we are doing it.
While also learning how to help your pooch be the best dog they can be.