The arrival of spring brings longer days, warmer weather (supposedly!), and a renewed sense of energy for both humans and dogs. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also a good time to refresh your dog’s training.
Here are five tips to help you get started:
1. Start with the basics
If your dog is a puppy or a new addition to your family, it’s important to start with the basics. This includes teaching your dog their name, how to sit, stay, and come when called. For older dogs, going over some of the more basic commands gives them an excellent jumping-off point for more complicated ones!
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2. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your dog. This means rewarding your dog when they do something right, such as sitting or coming when called. You can reward your dog with treats, praise, or toys. For the best results, find out (if you don’t already know) the best driver for your dog – for most, it’s treats, but some just like praise and the glow of a job well done!
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3. Be patient
It takes time and patience to train a dog. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t learn something right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see results. Even during your refresher course, if it’s something you know your dog knows already, still be patient. Even the smartest of dogs might need a moment to catch up!
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4. Be consistent
It’s important to be consistent with your training. This means using the same commands and rewards each time you train your dog. It’s very easy to get carried away and use variations to spice things up – don’t!
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5. Have fun!
Training your dog should be a fun experience for both of you. Make sure to take breaks and enjoy the process. Keeping up with your dog’s training as well as teaching them new commands and tricks can be such a great bonding experience. Make the most of it!
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