Set your Dog up for Training Success

These 4 dogs are attentive and focused.

How can you help your dog be the best they can be?  While some dogs learn certain behaviors quickly, for others it can be a longer process.  In other words, as we like to say,  “training is not a light switch”.  

Dog training has many components that contribute to a successful outcome and the dog and the trainer are important parts of the process.  As trainers, our mindset is focused not only on training exercises and protocols but how we can set both dogs and owners up for success.  We tell our clients the same — ask yourself how can I help my dog succeed? 

Many factors affect trainability: genetics, breed(s) temperament, etc.  A Beagle is a scent hound, an Australian Shepherd a working dog who thrives on having a job, a Jack

Russell terrier loves to chase and hunt.  These are hardwired in a dog and what they naturally do.    What works for training one dog might not work for another.  They are all different! 

So how do you help set your dog up for success? Here are important points to remember when training:

• Consistency plays a big role.  Expecting your dog to learn a new behavior isn’t fair if you switch up the verbal cue.   Decide on your cue and stick with it!  For example: If you want your dog to learn a down behavior you say “down”.  Don’t ask your dog to “lay” the next day and expect them to understand what behavior you want.  All family members should use the same cue words.  Post a cue list on the fridge so everyone remembers.

• Fast is slow, and slow is fast.  In other words, it's best not to rush to teach a large number of new behaviors. Choose a few main behaviors for your focal point and strive for your dog to become proficient at them.  Train with repetitions, building the behavior gradually, in small increments.  Be patient!  Excessive, constant training can lead to dog burnout, especially in young dogs.  An old saying, all work and no play makes for a dull boy - and a burned out boy.     

• Don’t confuse or bore your dog by repeating a cue over and over.   It is a common occurrence we often see. Asking your dog to sit, sit, sit, sit, sit, will not get your dog to comply.  You wonder, did my dog hear me? I really want him to do what I asked.  This is understood, you want him to respond.   But, this becomes garbled words in the dog’s mind and they no longer listen, yep you are tuned out.  Ask once and allow your dog to process what you have asked.  Give your dog approximately 10-15 seconds before asking again.  You’d be surprised how giving your dog a little time to think before they respond makes a big difference. 

• Finish a training session before your dog wants to be done.  No one likes to reach the point where they can’t interact or listen anymore.  You attend an hour-long seminar and the person’s voice begins to drone…wah wah wah.  You can't listen anymore and realize a shorter seminar would be more beneficial.

• Keep sessions short.  It’s better to do 2-3 short training sessions a day then 1 extended long one.  Depending on your dog that could be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. Get to know your dog. Short and sweet will get your dog’s best attention.

Dogs have good and bad days too.

• Dogs have good and bad days just like people.  Do you feel clumsy one day, can’t seem to get your thoughts together, tired, etc.  Maybe you did not sleep well, something upset/stressed you the day before?  Did you know an overly stimulating or stressful situation for a dog can raise their cortisol level and it can take up to several days (72 hours) before it goes back to a normal level?  Yes, different factors can affect your dog’s focus and attention.   

• Take the time to discover what motivates your dog, is of interest to them, and makes them happy.  This is where breed specific characteristics can surface as mentioned in the opening paragraph.  Yes, food is a primary motivator for most dogs.  Other motivators are toys, play, praise, human affection, exercise, outside adventures, etc.

Food is a big motivator for many dogs

Exercise/agility as a motivator

• Just like us, dogs are unique individuals with different preferences.  Experiment to find out what they are and use it to your advantage.  

• Mix up your training treats.  Dogs have different favorites and what is considered high value to them.  Find out your dog’s favorites.  To curtail boredom use a variety.  We see firsthand the difference it makes in optimal training.    

• When training in new areas, lower your expectations and raise the value of your reward.  A new, exciting place or going into a store for the first time is stimulating and contributes to overly aroused behavior.  Raising the value of your reward is one way to help gain your dog’s focus and makes more of an impact reinforcing the good behavior your dog offers. 

• Dogs don’t generalize.  Your pup may have an excellent sit/stay at home but not so much in a store.  They must visit many different locations, scenarios, people before they become proficient with a behavior. 

• Don’t be afraid to backtrack to a previous step with a lower expectation if your dog is not excelling to the next level.  This keeps training positive and lets your dog know they have done something right.  A human example:  You are practicing your tennis game and not succeeding at that difficult shot you are trying to perfect.  The teaching pro sees your struggles and makes the ball feed easier to hit.  Bingo, the ball sails beautifully across the court.  You have backtracked to a previous (easier step) and end with success on a good note.  Positive!

• Keep training fun! The more fun the better….we all like to do fun things :)

• Always end on a good note - I can’t say this enough.  Positive, positive, positive!!!

Canine Calling is dedicated to bringing out the best in dogs and the people who love them.  We are here to help everyone succeed!