H&C

DOGS: BASIC TRAINING

Patience is required with basic training

Many handlers view basic training as a necessary evil that has to be rushed through in order to get to the good bits: agility, tricks or the many aspects of work that we use our canine partners in. Failure to spend enough time and effort on these initial basics will usually result in problems as you try to further the dogs education.

Basic training can be great fun and you should form a training plan and perhaps keep a training diary to plot and record training activities that encourage and promote the behaviours we wish to teach our dogs.

The sit/stay will encourage our dog to focus on us, gradually increase distractions whilst the puppy is on a sit/stay until he is able to stay confidently. Ensure that you do not rush this process, this training activity should be a positive experience for your dog, introduce distractions slowly and carefully. We want the dog to learn to stay when a distraction is introduced not to rush towards it and subsequently be told off. There will inevitably be moments when the dog gets up from the sit/stay without permission. March him smartly back to the spot he was placed on and repeat the exercise. If you have ‘raised the bar’ too high don’t be frightened to reduce the level of distraction in order to once again establish the required behaviour.

Use a soft tone of voice, repeating the word sit or stay as you back away from your dog. If you confuse or frighten the dog, in an effort to appease you they will often move towards you in a submissive posture. Do not chastise the dog, gently take him back to the spot but this time move a much shorter distance from him. Watch his body language - you will recognise his concern as you start to move to far away leaving the puppy worried and desperate to move closer.

Be patient and ensure your puppy understands what you are asking him to do. Remember what it was like the last time someone important asked you to do something but failed to explain things clearly to you, scary wasn’t it!

• JOIN US
• TWITTER