SET YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS

A Word of Advice:

• Start training early: Begin training as soon as your puppy comes home. Keep sessions short but frequent, always ending with a successful task. For more guidance, see the links on the right.

• Use mealtimes for training: Especially if your dog is food-driven.

• Prevent separation anxiety: Avoid letting your dog follow you everywhere. Reward them for self- entertaining.

• Crate training: Crate training is essential for your dog's safety and helps create a secure space for them.

• Teach impulse control: Instead of playing tug-of-war or chasing prey, use retrieving exercises to encourage impulse control in hunting dogs.

• Consistency is key: Puppies and dogs thrive on structure. Reinforce rules consistently, and always follow through. For example, if you ask your dog to sit and they don’t, gently guide them into position. Ensure all family members, including kids, understand and reinforce the same commands.

• Use a reward marker word: Instead of a clicker, use a word like "yes" to mark good behavior. This word is easy to use and doesn’t require extra tools, but be sure to always have a reward ready to follow through.

• Avoid using e-collars for punishment: E-collars should never be used as a form of punishment, not only is that the incorrect use of the tool but it can also negatively affect training and make conditioning harder.

• Add distractions to training: As your dog matures, introduce distractions to help them build focus and improve their behavior in various environments.