Keep it Fun! Smile!

Your dog knows that a smile on your face is a good thing and he will be more interested in staying with you. STAND TALL! Leaning over our dogs can be stressful to them. It’s a type of social pressure – like your boss leaning over your shoulder while you work. Training...

Be Patient

Remember you are teaching your dog a new language. Just because he got it right yesterday doesn’t necessarily mean he understands the new cue today. Just like us, your dog needs practice and repetition to truly learn a new concept.

Reinforcement Should Come in Different Forms

Although it is easiest to use treats to initially train your dog, it is most useful to soon introduce toys, verbal praise, and life rewards as additional reinforcement for desired behaviors. Examples of life rewards are going for a ride in the car, being let outside,...

Don’t Become an Automatic Treat Dispenser

Treats are used as information to the dog during the initial training phases. Once your dog completely understands the new lesson, you no longer need to offer treats for that behavior. As you work through the proofing process, you will continue to challenge your dog...

Be Consistent

For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit politely when meeting a stranger, be sure to ALWAYS require your dog to sit politely and wait to be released to “Say Hello”. You dog can only learn the rules if the rules remain the same always. This takes commitment...

Incorporate Training into Your Daily Life

Your dog is always learning. Do not limit your rewards to training sessions. Keep non-perishable treats available in many different places so you can practice your new tricks frequently. As you are brushing your teeth, ask your dog for a “high five”, before your dog...