Dog Training 101

[kclinch]

Thought some might like to see this. I use this in my business.

A Good Dog
Lesson Notes

Welcome To Dog Training 101

Here are some helpful hints for you to observe while training your dog!

1) Dog Training is nothing more than habits. We all develop habits by doing things repetitively and consistently. Everyone in the household needs to be on the same page regarding commands, how to say them, and when to say them.
2) Dogs communicate verbally and physically. Just as we do.
a) Commands: Just that. You are telling your dog to do something, not asking.
b) Praise: Should be warm and sincere. You are communicating approval rather than affection. Praise your dog according to what he/she has just done. “Good Sit” “Good Down”
c) Corrections: Firm tone of voice. Do not YELL. Your dog is not deaf, and if they were, yelling would not do any good anyway. Remember, it is the behavior we are correcting, not the worth of the dog. Anger has no place in correction. But remember, to make the correction a worthwhile correction, something that the dog will remember the next time he/she is tempted to do that behavior again.
3) Don’t work any one exercise for such a long time, that what you are actually achieving is a correction for your pet. If rover has done very well in a short period of time, stop, come back and do another short session in 20 minutes.
4) Vary the times and locations of your practice sessions. Work indoors, outdoors, all reasonable forms of weather, vet, the pet store, ect….
a) Practice at least 3 10-minute sessions a day, for older dogs. 7 or 8 5 minute sessions for puppies, or some dogs the first week.
b) Each session should include 5 repetitions for 5-minute sessions. 15 reps for 10-minute sessions. This is of each command.
c) Lots and Lots and Lots of PRAISE
d) Correct with the proper amount of intensity.
5) Begin and End each session on a positive note. Make it fun. Use treats, something really special, that the dog only gets for training. Put his/her favorite toy away, and use it as a reward after each session---a quick 2-3 minute play session.
6) The key to training any animal is to establish a bond of trust and communication. Remember that dogs do not speak human, and we must teach them our language as we teach them. Remember to be fair and just.
7) Teach new lessons in a distraction free area, gradually adding new distractions only after the dog has demonstrated that learning has occurred. Be gentle until then.
8) Carefully plan each session, anticipate how your dog is likely to perform and how you will respond to that performance. For instance, know the area you are working in. Know where animals are, and how your dog will react, and how you will either praise or correct.
9) Give one single, clear command, and then proceed with absolutely no hesitation on your part as to your next move.
Heel, and start walking like you expect your dog to follow. If you hesitate, so will your dog.
10) Only give a command once, then follow through with it. If you say, “sit” “sit” “sit” “sit”, then your dog learns to sit after you say it 4 times, as opposed to the first time.
11) NEVER EVER give a formal command that you can’t back up!
12) Don’t train if you are ill, irritated or frustrated, and don’t train if the dog is sick.

[Judi W]

Nicely done. Thank you for putting this up.