General Training Tips

• Always keep training sessions short – puppies need only 5 minutes at a time. Older dogs can do 10-15 minute sessions but will also benefit from lots of short 5 minute ones (use those advert breaks!) It is better to do more short sessions than one long one.
  
• When using food rewards, train just before mealtime so your dog is actually hungry.
  
•  Know what motivates your dog – food/toys/praise.
  
• The amount and quality affects behaviour – the dog will work harder for better/tastier rewards.
  
• Use a variety of rewards to keep training interesting and maintain motivation.
  
• Low value rewards = normal food nuggets/pat on the head or toy he plays with all the time.
  
• Medium value = cheese, hot dogs, packet treats/ fuss & vocal praise/ squeaky toy.
  
• High value (the jackpot!) = Chicken, liver sausage, black pudding/ favourite toy or game/ big fuss & excited vocal praise.
  
• Train in as many different places as you can, not just at home or in classes.
  
• When training a new behaviour or exercise begin in low distraction surroundings.
  
• Increase distraction levels when the behaviour is established.
  
• Increase to maximum distraction and ensure behaviour is 100% at this level = reliability of performance in any circumstance.
  
• Always end the training session on a good note. If the session is not going well – go back to an exercise the dog can do well and finish it there.
  
• Always set up your sessions for success.
  
• Reward the things you like – ignore the things you don’t like.
  
• Training should always be fun.
  
• Avoid training if your dog is tired or stressed.
  
• Never punish your dog – punishment = stress and a stressed dog will not learn effectively.
  
• Always use short commands/cues and use exactly the same word each time.
  
• Always be consistent, if you keep moving the goal posts the dog will become confused and this leads to under performance – or no response to commands at all!
  
• Don’t train when you are in a bad mood, as the dog will pick up on this.
  
• Be persistent and be patient – dogs do not speak English – it is like asking for directions in a foreign country when you don’t speak the language.
  
• Use calm, clear but firm tones when issuing commands/cues – there is no need to shout – dogs have better hearing than us and shouting causes stress to both handler and dog.
  
• Issue the command/cue only once. If the dog does not respond – find out why and don’t just keep repeating the command. He will learn he has the option not to obey.