Training Tips
Here are some quick tips to get the most out of training:
The way you live with your dog throughout the next few months will really have an impact on your dog’s training. The more you can mirror a training environment at home the happier you will be with lasting results.
- Your dog needs clear rule enforcement, routine, training practice and affection (in that order).
- Your dog should have zero unsupervised freedom in the house for the first two weeks after graduation, minimum.
- Whenever your dog is directly supervised, he must be wearing (dragging) a leash and wearing his training equipment.
- When your dog is not being directly supervised, he must be in his ex-pen or crate.
- Remove all training equipment while your dog is confined for safety.
- If your dog must wear a bark collar in their crate, remove any items that may get caught on the collar.
- Practice your new commands for a minimum of 20 minutes, daily.
- Do not ask for commands you cannot or will not enforce.
- Limit all excursions to low distraction environments for the first two weeks after graduation.
As we move through this training program, it is critical that you train your dog as if they’re going to fail. We know you are excited to see what your dog is capable of, but neither of you are ready to test the limits just yet.
Do you know what to do if your dog:
- Tries to pull towards another dog on a trail?
- Breaks their bed-stay to jump on a visitor?
- Sees a rabbit across the street?
Until you can react to your dog’s behavior without hesitation, understand how and when to use your equipment, and are capable of reading your dog’s body language to prevent mistakes, you are not ready for over stimulating environments. We promise we will help you get there as soon as possible!
Dogs can tell when their handler is unprepared and they will test you. Practicing your handling skills in lower distraction environments allows you to get comfortable with your equipment and prevents you and your dog from getting overwhelmed or frustrated. Your equipment should be on, treats should be available, and you should be ready to act. Don’t expect your dog to be successful, just because they were with their professional dog trainer.