Ambassadogs

 is vital during any form of training to ensure you set your dog up for success. Imagine working on commission, you only get paid for every item you sold. You’re a good salesperson but then they change the product to one you don’t know anything about. You don’t understand how it works at all. The first day you sell nothing. Not great, try again tomorrow. Tomorrow you sell nothing. And on and on it goes. How long will it take before you quit your job? Not long I’m betting!

Your dog will not attempt to learn anything if he is repeatedly asked to do something over and above his understanding. You can’t sell an item well you know nothing about/don’t understand and your dog can’t learn a command well that he doesn’t understand.

Other factors to take into account are:

Make sure your dog is not unwell, stressed or over tired before starting a training session.

Pick a time when your dog is relaxed and ensure the reward is one he actually wants!

Ensure no distractions initially – we want him to succeed not fail because something more interesting came along!

Never get angry at your dog. You wouldn’t work happily for an angry boss

Do not be afraid to go back a step if your dog does not understand what is being asked and break it down further.

Keep sessions short and to the point. Rather a successful five minutes than a stressful half hour with neither of you understanding what the other is doing!

Don’t be afraid to stop and try something else.Never force your dog into the position you want. That’s being a bully not training.

Always end on a high note!

Ask for help if you get stuck – don’t allow it to frustrate you into anger.