Training your furry pal to respond to commands is an important part of pet ownership. After all, no one wants to be dragged down the street by their 150-pound mastiff, or struggle to pull their exuberant hound off their elderly grandma when she visits. With proper training techniques, you’ll have a wonderful companion, inside and outside your home.

Another benefit of spending time training your four-legged friend is the development of a tight, lifelong bond. While love and snuggles on the couch are great for bonding with your pet, engaging in training sessions is excellent for deepening your relationship. Before jumping into teaching your pooch to walk on a loose leash, or to come when you call, check out these five tips that will make your training sessions a breeze. 

#1: Use positive reinforcement when training your pet

You’re much more likely to work to the best of your ability when you get rewarded, rather than punished, for trying. The same holds true for your pet. With positive reinforcement training, the concept is simple—reward the behaviors you like, and ignore the ones you don’t. For example, when teaching your dog to sit, reward your pup when their hind end is firmly planted on the ground. Ignore the half-sits, hovering over the floor, or a totally different behavior, rather than using harsh punishment to correct your dog. If you yell at your pooch, or shock them for incorrect behavior, they are much less likely to try to learn. That also damages your bond, leading to a fearful, anxious companion, so the next time you gear up for a training session, arm yourself with a pocket full of treats, and leave punishment tactics behind. 

#2: Be consistent with commands to your pet

Pets thrive on consistency, whether it pertains to meals, walk schedules, or training. When teaching your pet a new skill, always use the same cue. For example, when training them to sit, always use the word “sit.” Avoid “sit down,” or another phrase, which will only confuse your pet. The best commands are short—ideally, one word. Long phrases can puzzle your pet, or may contain a combination of cue words, like “shake your right paw,” or “sit down.” Stick to “shake,” “right,” and “sit” for the most success. 

#3: Break out the high-value treats for tough training sessions

If you are trying to teach your overexcited pup not to lunge at every passing creature while leashed, stock up on the tastiest treats you can find. A small bite of baked chicken breast, or string cheese, rather than a dry Milkbone, will help ensure your pooch stays focused on you. The high-value treats should be small and bite-sized, as they can add up quickly during a difficult training session. Your pet needs only a taste to stay motivated, especially if you reward them for each tiny improvement in their skills. 

#4: Work in short training sessions

Kids in school receive breaks and recess throughout the day, because they cannot focus and learn effectively without these gaps in teaching. Your pet is the same way, and cannot handle long training sessions without becoming bored or frustrated. While your furry pal may sometimes seem to have a longer attention span than your child, stick to short training sessions for the best results. Cats may be able to tolerate training sessions of only a few minutes, while dogs may be productive for only 15 minutes or so. Several short sessions during the day are much more effective than one long session, so work with your pet during commercial breaks, or while you’re waiting for the oven to preheat, to keep your four-legged friend excited to learn. 

#5: Always end a training session on a positive note

Although you and your pet can end up frustrated if you can’t communicate what you’d like to accomplish during training, avoid ending a session on a sour note. Not only will this discourage your pet from trying in the future, it will also reduce any progress you made during this session. If your pet is struggling to understand the behavior you’d like, go back a step or two to when your furry pal felt confident, and end on that positive note. The next time you begin a training session, your pet will be eager to start, and more likely to pick up on the skills you want to teach.

If you’re taking your pet to a training class, or out in public to show off their skills, ensure they are current on vaccinations, and have plenty of parasite preventive to stay protected. Give us a call to check your pet’s vaccination schedule, to make an appointment, or if you would like us to recommend a local trainer.