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Training is how your dog learns what you want, and the way you do it matters. The Dogs Trust says: “Training with rewards is all about teaching your dog that good things happen when they make a good choice.”
Here are five tips that hold for most dogs of any age or breed. They draw on the Dogs Trust’s top 10 dog training tips. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon link, at no extra cost to you.
If your dog has a behaviour problem that does not improve, talk to your vet or a qualified trainer, because pain or anxiety can sometimes be the cause.
Five Dog Training Tips
1. Start With The Basics
Sit, lie down, stay and come when called are the skills that help keep a dog safe. Choose a calm place first: the Dogs Trust says to “ensure the training is done in a calm space that is free of distractions”. Start in the home and, once the basics are solid, try them outside.
Using your dog’s name is part of this. The Dogs Trust says: “If you can get your dog’s attention as soon as you need it, by using their name, you can help to keep them safe.”
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
The Dogs Trust explains that positive reinforcement “means training with rewards, such as a treat, praise or a toy. You give your dog something they want when they’re behaving in a way that you like.” It says “Training with rewards is the best way to encourage your dog to behave as you would like”.
Its top tip is a marker: a clear signal such as saying “Yes!” or “Good” that tells your dog they have got it right. It also advises you to “show your pooch what you want them to do, don’t physically force them to do it”. Reward at once, so your dog links the reward with what they just did.
3. Reward With Food, Toys And Attention
Food is not the only reward. The Dogs Trust says most dogs enjoy “food, toys and our attention”, so a game of fetch or tug, or a calm stroke, can work too. If you use food, it advises: “remember to cut down on the amount your dog gets during meals to prevent weight gain”, and says treats “can be chopped into small pea-sized pieces for training”. See our guide to the best dog treats.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Wellness Soft Puppy Bites training treats on Amazon
The treat above is one option from the Amazon listing, which describes a grain-free lamb and salmon recipe. Check the ingredients suit your dog, and talk to your vet if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach.
4. Be Patient
Dogs learn at their own pace. The Dogs Trust advises: “Keep training sessions short (five to 10 minutes at a time) – and focus on training one behaviour before ending the session with a fun game.” If your dog is struggling, it says to “stop and go back a step and progress more slowly next time”.
5. Stay Consistent
The Dogs Trust says to “be calm and consistent”. Agree the same cue words and the same rewards with everyone at home, and reward the same behaviour every time, so your dog is not confused. If either of you is not enjoying a session, it suggests picking it up another day.
Before You Go
Keep sessions short, calm and rewarding, and build up slowly. Our dog training guides and dog care guide have more.
