Teaching your dog a new behavior doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple techniques and a positive approach, you can easily guide your dog to learn new things. Let's make training a breeze!

Here are my top 3 tips to get you started:

1. Keep it Short and Sweet

Think about how you learn best. Would you rather sit through a long lecture or participate in a short, interactive workshop? The same goes for your dog. When introducing a new behavior, keep your training sessions short and sweet. Aim for 5-10 minutes at a time, a few times a day. ("A few minutes, a few times a day" is my slogan!) This will help your dog stay focused and engaged, and prevent them from getting overwhelmed.

Try training with them during commercial breaks or while your coffee is brewing!

2. Make it Positive

Positive reinforcement is the key to successful dog training, while also building the bond with your dog. When your dog offers the desired behavior, reward them with praise, treats, or their favorite toy. This will help them associate the new behavior with something positive, making them more likely to repeat it in the future.

Remember, what gets rewarded, gets repeated.

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is key! The more consistent you are with your training cues and rewards, the faster your dog will learn the new behavior. Try to use the same word or phrase every time you want your dog to perform the behavior and be sure to reward them every time they do it right.

I always say, "your dog will be as consistent as you are." This is an important thing to keep in mind to stay on top of the training routine.

With a little patience, positive reinforcement, and these 3 tips, you'll be well on your way to teaching your dog a new behavior. Remember, training should be fun for both of you! So keep it positive, keep it short, be consistent, and you'll be amazed at what your dog can learn.

Bonus Tip:  Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away. Every dog learns at their own pace. Just be patient, keep practicing, and have fun! As we can appreciate, learning a new skill, behavior, or habit takes time.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions about teaching your dog a new behavior, feel free to leave a comment below.

Take care and talk soon,

Erika

P.S.  Looking for more dog training tips and tricks? Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and check out the From Dusk Till Dog Podcast.