Boost Your Dog's Behaviour with Effective 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 isn’t just about teaching your dog to sit or stay. It’s about communication. Dogs want to understand what you expect 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, imagine taking your dog to the park. Without training, your dog might pull on the lead, jump on strangers, rush at other dogs or bark excessively. But with regular positive training, your dog learns how to walk calmly, greet people and dogs politely, and stay focused on you. Making outings fun instead of stressful.

Effective 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.

What makes a training method effective? Here are some key principles I follow:

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward the behaviours you want to see more of. This could be with treats, praise, or playtime. Positive reinforcement encourages your dog to repeat good behaviour because it feels great.

• Consistency: Use the same cues every time. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations.

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

• Patience: Learning takes time. Praise and reward each small win and redirect when mistakes happen.

• Clear Communication: Use simple cues and keep your body language quiet. This will avoid confusing your dog with mixed signals.

  
  

By sticking to these principles, you’ll create a training environment 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 helps manage and keep your dog 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. Add distractions 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 look to you start walking again, be consistent, 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 animated tone. Start with short distances, moving away from them as you call, always rewarding them when they come. Gradually increase the distance and distractions.

   
   

4. Leave It and/ or Drop It

   These cues keep your dog safe by 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 and fun.

How to Make Training Fun and Engaging

Training doesn’t have to be a chore. The more fun you can make it, 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 few times a day.

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

• Incorporate Play: Play games after training this cements the learning.

• Stay Positive: Always end on a good note, even if progress is slow.

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 is a journey, not a destination. Even after your dog masters the basics, there’s always more to learn. Skills, tricks, and enrichment activities keep your dog’s mind sharp and maintains good behaviour.

Investing time and patience into training, you’ll building your dog's confidence. And in return, you get a calm, well-behaved companion.

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