Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
We believe you can start training your pup at any age! Whether you just adopted a new puppy or rescued a 6-year-old dog, it’s never too late to start. If you want your pup to learn just the basics or become an advanced trickster, these fundamental tips should help make the training sessions a bit more seamless:
1. Train When Your Pup Is Hungry
If your dog is always hungry, then anytime is ideal! But if you train your dog while they are hungry, they can tend to be more focused and interested in the treats you’re rewarding them with. After they just had a big breakfast or dinner, they may not be as attentive when training because they’re less motivated by food.
2. Schedule Time for Training
It’s important to set aside time daily for dog training so the training stays fresh in your dog’s mind. The training session should always be in a controlled space where you are both comfortable and not distracted, such as a quiet space in your home or alone in your backyard. Multiple five minute sessions throughout the day is more than enough as anything longer could stress your pup out and slow the process.
3. Use Hand Motions
Dogs don’t always understand the human language, so it’s important to not get frustrated when your pup isn’t understanding what you’re saying while training. Sometimes you need to use hand motions like pointing or gently pushing on their backside to have them sit or take their paw and shake.
4. Keep Everyone On The Same Page
When you’re training your dog, you should always stay consistent with the commands and hand motions you’re using to avoid confusion. It’s always important to make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. If you have a dog-sitter or family member watching your pup, make sure to relay the commands and motions you’re using so they stay consistent as well!
5. Reward & Praise
Your dog loves when you’re in a good mood, so it’s always best to show off a positive attitude during the training process! If you’re grouchy and in a bad mood when your pup is struggling with the training, it most likely will put them in a bad mood as well. It’s imperative to always praise and reward your dog quickly when training is going well, so they know exactly what they did correctly. If it’s a delayed reaction, they may have forgotten what they did and won’t be certain what they’re being praised for.
Our Soft Chew Edibites are the perfect training essential for your pup! As they contain CBD, they may also make the training session a lot less stressful for both you and your fur friend. Plus, because they’re soft you can break them up into four pieces if you don’t want to give a whole Edibite at once. A quick and easy soft bite piece works perfectly for training because it won’t take long to consume so you can get on with the next lesson!
6. Seek Help if Needed
If you need additional help with training, reach out to a professional trainer! While some dogs catch on to training quickly, it may not be as easy for others. Professional trainers can assist and help you create a foundation for your training sessions. Also, if your pup has behavioral problems and needs extra help, a trainer or behavior consultant could be very beneficial. Ask your friends if they have recommendations or check out The Association of Professional Dog Trainers to find a trainer near you!