New Year, New Tricks
It's Train Your Dog Month, try our tips to get you started
January is Train Your Dog Month, the perfect time to focus on building a stronger bond with your furry friend. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home or want to brush up on your older dog’s manners, training is an excellent way to strengthen your relationship and set your dog up for a happy, confident life.
Training doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With a few simple tips and a positive attitude, you can start creating a well-behaved and happy pup!
Why train your dog?
Training isn’t just about teaching tricks; it’s about:
Building confidence: Dogs thrive on structure. Training helps them understand what’s expected, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.
Ensuring safety: Commands like “sit” and “recall” can prevent dangerous situations, such as running into traffic or eating something harmful.
Improving bonding: Training sessions are a fantastic way to connect with your dog, making your relationship stronger and more rewarding.
Encouraging socialisation: Well-trained dogs are more comfortable around people and other pets, making outings and visits stress-free for everyone.
Try our simple training tips:
1. Start with the basics
Focus on simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “recall” (coming when called). These form the foundation for more advanced training. Keep sessions short and consistent—5-10 minutes a day is ideal for maintaining your dog’s focus.
2. Use positive reinforcement
Dogs respond best to rewards, whether it’s treats, praise, or a favourite toy. Celebrate their successes enthusiastically to reinforce good behaviour.
3. Be patient and consistent
Training takes time, especially if your dog is learning something new. Stay patient and consistent, repeating commands in the same tone and rewarding progress every time.
4. Keep it fun
Turn training into a game to keep your dog engaged. For example, hide treats around the house for a fun twist on recall training. The more enjoyable the process, the faster they’ll learn.
5. Socialise your dog
Expose your dog to different environments, people, and other pets to improve their comfort in new situations. Remember to start slowly, ensuring each experience is positive.
Surprise: cats can be trained too!
Most cats will tell you they’re smarter than the dogs they know (lol!). So test out how quickly they can learn! While they’re more independent than dogs, training a cat can be a rewarding way to bond.
Try our fun training ideas:
Teach them to sit: Use a treat to lure your cat into a sitting position. Hold the treat above their head and slowly move it back until they naturally sit down to follow it. Reward them immediately with the treat and praise. Repeat in short sessions.
Clicker training: Cats respond well to clicker training. Pair the sound of a clicker with a treat to reinforce positive behaviours, like coming when called or using a scratching post. Consistency is key!
Time to seek professional help?
Some behaviours, such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, or aggression, may require expert guidance. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We can assess your dog’s needs and recommend tailored training or behavioural solutions to help.
Training benefits for all dogs
No dog is too old to learn new tricks. Whether you have a bouncy puppy or a wise senior, training is beneficial for dogs of all ages. Older dogs may take a little longer, but with consistency, they’ll get the hang of it.
Need help? We’re here for you
Training can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you need advice or support, we’re just a call away. Our team is here to help you with behavioural advice and point you in the direction of trusted local trainers if needed.
Remember, every small step you take is a step towards a happier, more confident dog. Let’s make this National Train Your Dog Month the start of something amazing for you and your pup!
Don’t feel alone if you’re struggling with behavioural issues. Contact us today to book a consultation and let’s work together to get your relationship with your pet back on track.
Why not share your progress with us? Tag us on facebook or Instagram, we love to see your stories about your pets!