We are over here having the time of our lives playing with our new friends. Natalee is such an animal lover and came with me on a few doggie dates today now that’s school is out. We stayed late with Miss Maizie today because we were having too much fun.
Walked by an empty dog park today and decided to work on Brad heeling without a leash. I don’t plan on walking him without a leash but if there was ever a chance he got loose, I want him to learn he always needs to walk with me. Just giving him praise as he does the right thing let’s the dog know it’s pleasing me as his owner. Brad is very food motivated so he’s been a breeze to train so I’m moving onto positive verbal reinforcement. When a dog is in the act of doing something positive, say their name, the command and then praise once they get it. Fortunately Brad responds to his name-come and a whistle.
I did over 18 training classes with my first rescue and learned a really helpful training tip from the trainer. He said you never want to continue saying the command over and over again because you don’t want to beg them and you want them to listen the first time they’ve been asked. If they don’t respond on the first verbal command -make some sort of noise to get their attention. You can repeat the command once they’re doing what was asked and then treat or praise them. Less words the better.
Did you know that when you are training a dog with treats, you always place your hand below their mouth so you don’t teach them to lunge or jump for food if the treat is higher than their mouth? This was one of the most important tips I learned from the trainer when Wanda took classes.
Also placing a towel at the door allows dirt from their paws to come off and not ruin your life 😂😂😂