Boost Your Dog's Behaviour with these Training Methods

Bringing a new pup or young dog into your home is an exciting time. But it can also be a bit overwhelming. How do you teach your new puppy the right behaviours? How do you make sure they grow into a well-mannered canine citizen? The good news is that training your dog can be fun and rewarding for both of you.

I’m here to share some effective dog training methods that will help you set your dog up for success.

Why Dog Training Methods Matter

Training your dog is about communication. Dogs want to understand what is expected from them, and you want to understand their needs, too. When you use positive dog training methods effectively, you make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

For example, you are taking your dog to the park. Without training, your dog may pull on the lead, jump on strangers, rush at other dogs or bark excessively. With regular training, your dog learns to walk calmly, greet people and dogs politely, and stay focused on you. Making walks fun, not stressful.

Training also helps prevent problem behaviours before they start. Puppies and young dogs are like sponges - they soak up everything around them. Teaching foundation skills early on sets the stage for a lifetime of good habits.

Training Methods: The Core Principles.

Here are some key principles I follow:

• Rewards: Reward the behaviours you want to see more of. Using food as a reward is a tool for teaching. Be generous to begin, then as your dog gets confident in the behaviour randomly reward them. This builds their motivation, like a pokey machine, 'will I get a treat this time?'.

• Consistency: Dogs thrive on routine and clear communication. Remember they are another species and don't speak! Keep your cues simple and your body language quiet.

• Timing: Deliver rewards immediately after the desired behaviour. Dogs live in the moment, so timing is everything.

• Generalising: Dogs don't easily generalise a behaviour. What you practice in the kitchen won't necessarily work in the garden. Practice is short sessions in lots of different locations.

  
  

By sticking to these ideas, you’ll create a training style where your dog feels safe, and eager to learn in.

Dog sitting attentively during training session

Building Foundation Skills for Daily Life

Foundation skills are the building blocks of good behaviour. They're basic cues and habits your dog needs to navigate everyday situations confidently. Here are some skills to focus on with your puppy or young dog:

1. Sit and Stay

   Teaching your dog to sit and stay on cue is handy. It manages and keeps them safe in busy or exciting situations. Start in a quiet space, ask for a sit and reward, gradually delay the reward to get a stay. Step away and step back to build a stay at a distance. Add distractions gradually as your dog improves.

   
   

2. Loose Lead Walking

   Nobody enjoys being dragged down the street! Loose lead walking teaches your dog to walk with you. Deliver treats where you want your dog to walk, by your side. Stop if they pull and when they turn to look at you start walking again, by consistently practicing, they'll soon understand that walking with you keeps the walk going.

   
   

3. Recall (Come When Called)

   A reliable recall can be a lifesaver. Practice calling your dog to you at home using a bright tone. Start with short distances, always moving away from them as you call, and rewarding them when they come. Gradually increase the distance and distractions.

   
   

4. Leave It and/ or Drop It

   This skill will keep your dog from eating something yuk or dangerous, teaching them to ignore or release things they shouldn’t have. Start by saying 'drop' and drop a treat on the ground, gradually add items and distractions. Your dog learns that 'drop' means a treat is coming their way and will drop whatever they are holding.

   
   

   Every dog is unique and learns at their own pace. Praise and reward progress, no matter how small, and keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.

How to Make Training Fun and Engaging

The more fun you can make your training, the more your dog will want to take part. Here are some tips to keep training enjoyable:

• Use High-Value Rewards: Find out what your dog loves most - lay out a few different treats and see which they eat first, that's their favourite.

• Keep Sessions Short: Puppies have short attention spans. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a couple of times a day.

• Mix It Up: Vary the exercises and locations so your dog can generalise the behaviour.

• Incorporate Play: Studies show that playing games with your dog after training helps learning stick.

• Stay Positive: Always end on a good note.

When your dog enjoys training, they’ll be an eager student.

Dog engaged with trainer during a training session

Where to Find Support and Resources

Sometimes, training can feel tricky, especially if you’re dealing with specific behaviour challenges.

Working with a skilled trainer can make a huge difference. You’ll get personalised guidance, hands-on practice, and the chance to ask questions.

I highly recommend checking out more of my resources and services. I offer science-based, positive training designed to help you and your dog. My approach focuses on building skills, through enrichment, and play.

Keep Growing Together

Training, like life is a journey, not a destination. Even after your dog masters the basics, there’s always more to learn and behaviours to maintain. Skills, tricks, and enrichment activities keep your dog feeling good and their mind sharp.

Grab some treats, find a quiet spot, and start building those foundation skills today.