Never start a dog training session if you’re in a bad mood!

Training a dog when in a bad mood will never work, as a dog will pick up on bad feelings and body language very quickly. Dogs have a very good long-term memory and they will remember your last dog training session as not being enjoyable, causing them to be more wary when you attempt your next training session. If you are not feeling great take your dog for a walk instead; there will always be tomorrow for a training session! The same goes for when you feel a dog training session isn’t going well, end on a positive note and abandon the training session – it will only ever enhance your relationship with your dog.

Don’t overdo it

A dog (especially a young dog) has a short attention span and will quickly become bored – causing frustration on both sides. So much can be achieved in 10-15 minutes, even whilst out on a walk, especially if carried out twice daily – and will be more beneficial than an hour once or twice a week. Short and sharp training sessions will allow your dog to retain the information and use their brain without becoming overstimulated. Little and often is the golden rule!

Invest in a good, long training lead

Investing in a good long line for training will allow your dog to have the feeling of freedom whilst still making sure you have control & keeping your dog safe. I find they are especially good for recall training; I use them by spontaneously walking backwards and once I feel comfortable with the distance, I will say “Monty, come come”. Always use your dog’s name followed by a short command, such as “Monty, come”, as this will ensure that you are clear in your instructions and there is no confusion.

Set your dog up for success

Just like humans it is important to set your dog up for success, you wouldn’t go out to run a marathon if you had never run before! Recall is a great way of using this concept, start by walking just two steps back from them and then call them to you; gradually build it up bit by bit depending on the dog and how well it is learning.

Make it fun

Remember to pack your dog’s favourite reward – a treat or even just a fuss are great rewards. Rewards need to be given simultaneously with good behaviour so that the dog associates it with something good.  Maintaining your dog’s attention by making yourself as exciting as possible is the goal – this can be done by using positive body language and voice.  Don’t hold back on praise – your dog will absolutely love it!

Every event is a training opportunity

Most daily situations can be used as a training opportunity, for example when crossing the road make your dog wait before proceeding so that it becomes second nature, crossing the road = wait! This is a particularly important life-skill for your dog to learn when living in London. You don’t necessarily have to leave home to train. Take the opportunity when friends come over to teach your dog to settle – this will help your dog to remain calm in other company.

Use your body language

Remember that dogs communicate through body language, therefore it’s no use just shouting remarks at your dog and expecting them to follow. A great signal for ‘wait’ can be a flat-palmed hand, or a good signal for recall could be waving your hand above your head, whilst running backwards. Try it, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick things up.

Always finish on a positive note

It is so important to finish a training session on a good note, even if it is something simple that can be rewarded with praise and a treat. Your dog’s greatest reward is to know that they have pleased you!

Listen out for more helpful hints from the wider WagWorks team soon.