Training for Life?
Hello, and welcome.
Did you know that over a million UK dogs have received no training whatsoever?
While you might not be interested in competing in sports with your dog or having an impressive array of tricks to entertain guests with - training is an important part of looking after your dog.
Not only does training allow your dog an important mental workout - enriching their daily life - but it also boosts your bond together and allows them to learn the skills required to be a great member of the canine community.
So many of the pet parents I work with start their life with their dogs full of enthusiasm for training, but this can quickly wane. When you have a puppy, it is also more apparent what skills you need to work on - housetraining, lead walking and recall are often top of the list. But as we settle into a comfortable life with a well-behaved adult dog, is it really time to put away those treats and clicker?
As I mentioned, training provides so many benefits - not only for our dog’s overall welfare but for our bond with them. While walking, we can often get distracted by the sights around us, chatting socially, or thinking about our to-do lists. When training, our dogs get our full, undivided attention. It’s a gift you can give to your dog on a daily basis - or even just once a week.
Training doesn’t have to take up hours - in fact some of the most effective training sessions can be as little as 5 minutes long.
Leaving out a visual cue to keep yourself on track with training helps form a regular habit. We’re much more likely to stay consistent if we use a visual prompt. One of the most effective prompts I’ve found is to leave a pot of treats by the kettle. Not only is this setting you a time goal that’s achievable… 2-3 minutes, the time it takes the kettle to boil.. but it also provides you with the tools (treats) to get started straight away.
Until next time, happy training!
Caroline