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Nothing beats sitting down after a long day and having a dog curl up by your side to help you unwind. Unfortunately, you don’t always get that perfect pup without putting in some serious time while training them.
The commitment may sound daunting, especially to people who are chronically super busy, but don’t worry. Your pals here at Where Sit Happens put together a quick list of the 5 best everyday training tips to help even the busiest dog owners guide their dogs away from unwanted behaviors while reinforcing the good ones!
Training Tip #1: Use Mealtime as a Quick Training Opportunity
We may not have time for a dedicated training session every day, but we can sneak in a short and sweet session when your dog is already focused on dinnertime!
Your pup will already be primed to pay close attention when they see you preparing their dinner, so use it as an opportunity to reinforce a few quick behaviors. Ask them to perform a few basic commands—sit, stay, down—before you hand over the goods. You may even work on “leave it” and steadily increase the three D’s (distance, duration, distraction) as your dog demonstrates proficiency.
Integrating training into daily routines, such as during mealtime, can significantly enhance your dog’s learning experience. For more insights on introducing new experiences during regular activities, check out our guide on Socializing a Puppy in Connecticut: 120+ Things to Introduce Them To!
Training Tip #2: Use the Premack Principle to Reinforce Manners
The Premack Principle may sound super scientific, and there is some important science behind it, but it’s less complicated than you’d think. Sometimes referred to as “Grandma’s Law,” the Premack Principle involves asking your dog to do something they don’t want to do before they’re allowed to do something they really want to do.
Understanding your dog’s communication cues is crucial in this process. Learn more about interpreting these signals in our post on 8 Ways Your Dog is Trying to Communicate Discomfort.
For example, you may ask them to sit before you open the back door to your yard or clip their leash for a nice walk, to enter the down position before you place down their food bowl, or you may require them to stay and slowly back away from them before you give their favorite ball a throw and let them go racing after it.
Training Tip #3: Keep Dog Training Sessions Short but Consistent
You may have noticed a trend with our above tips: you don’t need marathon training sessions to teach your dog new tricks and new behaviors. According to the American Kennel Club, “Five minutes per session is more than enough. Anything longer, and you risk having your dog become bored or frustrated.”
The real key here is consistency and repetition. Think of your training sessions as a rehearsal for the real deal: You practice having your dog sit when you open the door because one day, there will be a person coming through that door, and you won’t want the dog jumping up. You practice having them “leave it” when you place down their food bowl because one day, you may encounter something gross or poisonous during a walk, and you most definitely won’t want your pup to pick it up or eat it.
Short, consistent training sessions are key to maintaining your dog’s attention and fostering learning. Train for a few minutes a few times a day every day, and, over time, you’ll likely see a world of difference. Explore our article on The Difference Between Luring and Cueing to delve deeper into effective training techniques.
Training Tip #4: Stay Prepared with On-the-Go Training Tools
They say luck favors the prepared. For dog owners, that means having a couple of treats on hand or in convenient locations throughout the house whenever you may need to have an impromptu practice session on a specific behavior.
Keep a bag by the couch to toss a tasty treat at your pup when you hear a noise outside, pick up their heads, and lie back down without barking. Stash a few snacks by your dog’s leash so they can be rewarded for staying calm while you put on their harness or clip their leash to their collar.
Training Tip #5: Get Professional Help with Dog Training Support
As pet professionals, we have tips and tricks for just about any situation you’d find yourself in with your dog. But there’s a lot to keep in mind, and you’re busy enough.
So, why worry about thinking of the “right” thing to do in every situation when your pals at Where Sit Happens are just a call away?
Drop your dog off for our Day School program, and we’ll reinforce good manners all day long. So, while you’re staying on top of your personal and professional obligations, your pup is staying on top of things, too!
We offer a comprehensive array of professional dog training services in the Oxford, CT area, so whether you need someone to swing by for a walk or a get-in-quick training session with your pup while you’re on the go, we’ve got you covered! Sometimes, seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference in your dog’s training journey. Discover the advantages of group training sessions or another best service option for you and your pup!
Don’t wait; contact us today and find out what makes us the best! We are happy to support you and your pup.
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