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Training tips

These tips will help make your training more effective and enjoyable for you and your dog.

Do

• Practice in your home and garden first, before trying commands in public area
• Start training with your new dog or puppy as soon as possible
• Keep sessions short (15 minutes max.) and fun
• Reward or treat him on a random basis, once the new command has been learnt
• Try to use hand signals with verbal commands, as some dogs may find it easier to recognise these
• Keep commands clear and consistent
• Take your time and be patient
• Stick to one new command per training session at first to avoid confusing your dog
• Consider going to a good local training class – but if your dog is anxious or fearful around other dogs, a one-to-one training session with a trainer may be better
• Try to finish on a high note - your dog is more likely to want to train again next time!
• Always give your dog an enjoyable long-lasting chewy treat to relax with at the end of a session, or he may become frustrated when the rewards/treats stop!

Don't

• Let your dog get bored - stop immediately if you see this happening
• Tell him off if he gets it wrong
• Shout or physically punish him - it will make him scared of you and may cause him to become aggressive
• Train him if he is tired
• Chase him when you want him to come - he'll think it is a great game and will run away even more
• Try to train him in an area with lots of distractions, such as other dogs, people, noises, smells.
• Expect too much too soon
• Expect him to understand a command until you have taught him what it means