T R A I N I N G
show our dog the behaviors we are looking for through clear communication. 4) Repetition Once we’ve shown our dog the behavior we would like from them, we then must condition our dog to default to that behavior. The more repetitions we perform in a training environment, the more conditioned our dog will be to perform that behavior outside in the real world. Make your training times with your dog fun; create games and challenges to keep your dog happy and engaged and always end on a positive note. 5) Don’t Go Alone If you hit some challenges while training your dog, do not lose heart! We are living in a wonderful time for dog training where many resources are available at little or no-cost. You can start with YouTube tutorials from an accredited trainer, get great books from Amazon, attend training classes, or work with a local professional. The lowcountry has many wonderful dog trainers and training companies that would be happy to work with you. Ask a trainer about their philosophy and training methodology and find one that interacts with you and your dog in a manner that makes you feel comfortable they are the right fit for your dog and your family. When first starting, training your dog can seem like a daunting task. However, if you put in the time and effort utilizing best practices for training, the days and weeks will pass and you will begin to see your relationship with your dog transform. The work is hard at the beginning, but it will continue to pay off for many years to come as your relationship with your dog grows closer and more harmonious. If you would like to learn more about my approach to dog training or to schedule a free consultation, visit my website www. happydogtrainingacademy.com. Happy training makes happy dogs! â–