Training is supposed to be a fun bonding experience for you and your dog.  Make sure it stays that way by following these simple tips:

Exercise your dog prior to a training session. This will allow your dog to expend excess energy in a constructive way before learning. This can prevent frustration for you since your dog won’t be bouncing off the walls when you want her to focus.

Make sure that during training sessions you are completely focused on your dog – we expect them to focus on us during training, how could we expect less of ourselves?

Keep training sessions short and sweet – 3-5 minutes, like a commercial break

Work on only one behavior per session – working on more than one without a break inbetween can really confuse your dog

Only practice a training session when you feel up to it, not if you’re frustrated or sick

As tempting as it is to try “just one more time” when your dog is performing well, it is worth it to end on a good note!

Regular training sessions are vital to any training program so make time for your dog, have fun and learn from each other!  You won’t regret it!

When you can’t train, manage! Use tools like the crate, baby gates, leashes and puzzle toys (like Kongs and Buster Cubes) to prevent unwanted behavior and set your dog up for success. Give him options which are constructive and appropriate and he will be less likely to find inappropriate ways to occupy his time and energy.