Setting The Stage For Success: How To Prep For Your Dog Training Session

Preparation Is Key: What To Know Before You Start

How Where Should I Train?

First off, think about location, location, location. Pick a spot that’s relatively free from distractions. Your backyard might seem ideal, but if the neighbor's cat is doing acrobatics on the fence, maybe not. Indoors can work great, but clear away any toys or objects that might steal your dog’s attention. 

How Should I Be Prepared?

Now, let’s talk about mindset. Before you even start, take a deep breath and get yourself into a positive, patient mood. Dogs are masters at picking up on our emotions, so if you’re stressed or frustrated, they’ll sense it. Keep your training sessions short and sweet. Aim for 10-15 minutes at a time, especially when you’re starting out. It’s better to end on a high note than to push your dog to the point of frustration. Remember, training should be a bonding experience, so keep it fun, keep it positive, and celebrate those small victories!

What Rewards Are Best To Use?

Next, gather your gear. Treats are your best friend here. Small, high-value treats work wonders – think tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or those store-bought training treats that dogs go nuts for. Have a variety on hand to keep things interesting. Make sure to mix some of their kibble into the treat bag too. This will prevent your dog from working only for the high-value treats and it can also help to prevent a fussy pup. Don’t forget your clicker if you’re using one, or a reward cue and maybe even a favorite toy. You know your dog the best, so if they would rather chase after a ball over getting a tasty treat, make sure they are receiving the most exciting reward for them. Switching the rewards from time to time will keep your training sessions exciting. Think about changing from their favourite toy, to lots of fuss, then on your next session use treats. Your dog will become more interested by this reward roulette!

Making the Most of Training Time: Tips for a Successful Dog Training Session

To really nail those training goals, it's all about what you do during the session. A few smart moves can make a huge difference in how quickly your dog learns and how much they enjoy the process.

Keep it short and sweet. Dogs have relatively short attention spans, so aim for training sessions that last no more than 10-15 minutes. It's better to have several short, focused sessions throughout the day than one long, drawn-out one. Watch for signs that your dog is losing focus – like excessive sniffing, yawning, or just plain ignoring you – and end the session before they get too frustrated. Use positive reinforcement. Reward-based training is the most effective and enjoyable way to teach your dog new skills. Use high-value treats, praise, or even a favorite toy to motivate them. The key is to make the experience fun and rewarding for your dog, so they're eager to participate.

Be clear and consistent with your commands. Use simple, one-word cues like "sit," "stay," or "come," and stick to them. Avoid using long, complicated phrases or changing your commands mid-session. Consistency is key to helping your dog understand what you want them to do. 

Repetition, repetition, repetition. All dogs learn at their own pace, so don't get discouraged if your pup isn't picking things up as quickly as you hoped. Be patient! When teaching your dog a brand new command, you should repeat this a few times until you see progress (even if it's minor). Be careful you don't over do it though, you can always switch it up as you go and come back to anything you feel your dog may be struggling with. Sometimes repeating the same thing over and over can become quite boring for both you and your dog, but stick with it and remember to keep it fun! You will get there!

The Grand Finale: How to End a Dog Training Session on a High Note

Alright, you’ve put in the work, and your dog is (hopefully!) a little bit smarter than they were before. But how you wrap up a training session is just as important as what you do during it. Ending on a positive note ensures your dog is eager for the next session and reinforces the good vibes associated with training.

First off, always end with a command your dog knows well. It could be a simple "sit," "stay," or "come." Successfully completing a familiar task gives your dog a confidence boost and leaves them feeling like a champ. Pile on the praise and reward generously! This isn’t the time to be stingy with treats or affection. Let your dog know they nailed it with enthusiastic verbal praise, a good scratch behind the ears, or even a favorite toy. Make it a mini-celebration!

Finally, give your dog a chance to relax and decompress. Training can be mentally stimulating, so they might be a bit tired afterward. A calm walk, a chew toy, or simply some quiet cuddle time can help them unwind. Avoid immediately transitioning to high-energy activities that could undo the calm, positive state you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Ending a training session thoughtfully sets the stage for future success and strengthens the bond between you and your pup.

To Sum It Up:

• Find a quiet, low distraction area to train -  If this is your home remember to hide any toys or shoes they might like to chew on.

• Stay calm and keep positive - you won't be successful with your training if you don't believe in yourself and your dog.

• Use the most exciting rewards - the tastiest treats you can find, or their favourite chew toy, and use your praise as a reward to!

• Keep sessions brief and engaging - short, frequent sessions filled with positive reinforcement are key.

• Use clear, consistent commands - Use short words and stick to it, reward little signs of progress.

• Patience is crucial – celebrate small wins and adjust to your dog's pace for a fun, successful learning experience.

• Finish the session with something simple - use a commandthat you're dog is familiar with, this can give your dog a confidence boost especially if they have been struggling during the session.

• Allow your dog to decompress - do not finish your training with play time or an off-leash walk, cuddles or a calm leash walk are perfect.