Dr Harry's Training Tips
Training tips for people with dogs:
- Start training the moment you get your puppy home but remember it's never too late to start training any dog.
- Train regularly, at least once a day, in a quiet area, free from distractions like other animals and people.
- Limit training to no more than 10 minutes at the beginning. This can be increased as the dog learns, ages and its motivation improves.
- Use positive reinforcement training. Reward the dog with a treat and praise immediately after they've responded or obeyed a command.
- Treats are specially prized foods that your dog should only get during a training session.
- These treats will act as that special reward, your dog will love them, and they'll work well as part of the training routine.
- Never over reward your dog, keep the treats small, so they don't fill the dog up and take away the stimulus food provides.
- Not all dogs are food motivated so using praise or a game is also important.
'COME'
- Start with the dog in the 'Stay' position, move away a few metres, maintain eye contact, then use an excited tone, 'Come' and wave the arms in a flinging open gesture.
- Reward the dog immediately on arrival.
'SIT'
- Focus the dog's attention on the treat in your hand, by allowing them to smell or lick it.
With the dog concentrating on your hand and facing you, give the verbal cue 'Sit' and at the same time move the food in a backwards motion close to the dog's nose and over the dog's head towards the top of its shoulders. Most dogs will rock backwards as they follow the treat in your hand with their head, and automatically sit.- Reward instantly with the treat and praise.
- Repeat numerous times to reinforce the behaviour.
Your local dog training club, obedience club or Delta Society Australia Canine Good CitizenTM trainer will help.
'DROP'
This is possibly one of the most useful words your dog should know. A dog in the drop position finds it hard to bark or show aggression to other dogs.
- With the dog steady in 'Sit' hold the reward immediately in front of the dog's nose, issue the verbal cue 'Drop' and at the same time move the treat down in front of the dog at 45°. As it follows the treat move your hand forward.
- Most dogs will crawl forward on their front legs to take the reward which is now at ground level.
- Reward and praise your dog.
- If your dog has trouble with 'Drop', continue with the 'Sit' training until he becomes steadier before moving on.
Remember, some are good students and some are slower to learn, but there are very few things that can't be taught.
'STAY'
If your dog will respond instantly to the sound of your voice and 'Stay' when told, it could mean the difference between life and death.
- The dog must be steady in 'Sit' or 'Drop' facing you.
- Take one step back and issue the verbal cue 'Stay', using some eye contact with your pet and the food reward hidden.
- Wait briefly, and as long as the dog is steady, step forward again, praise and reward the dog.
- This cue can be reinforced with a hand signal such as a downward stroke or a full stop.
- Then it's simply a matter of lengthening the time and distance.
- The dog should only be rewarded when you return to the dog.
'WALK'
A daily walk should be enjoyable for you and stimulating for your dog. He shouldn't drag you down the street but instead should walk calmly by your side on a loose lead.
- Start training sessions in the backyard and keep them short.
- Ask your dog to sit each time you put on his lead and then praise your dog.
- Walk forward and give your dog a verbal cue such as 'Heel'.
- If your dog pulls the lead don't pull in the opposite direction. Stop, say nothing, wait until the lead becomes loose, praise and reward the dog, then start again.
If you are consistent and reward good behaviour, your dog will soon learn that it won't be going anywhere unless it's on a loose lead by your side.
