5 WAYS TO MIX UP YOUR TRAINING TO KEEP IT FUN
5 ways to mix up your dog training to keep it fun
February 2nd is Groundhog Day, a popular North American tradition. The film with Bill Murray shows weatherman Phil reliving the same day over and over again. Does life with your dog ever feel like that? Especially if you’re struggling with their training. Here are 5 ways to help you feel like dog training is fun again and make progress towards a calm and happy dog.
1. Write down 3 things you wished your dog did (or didn’t) do!
Getting clear on what you want to work on with your dog training really helps. What will make the biggest difference to you life? Or to theirs?
You might not like them jumping up at the kitchen counter but it’s the barking at people walking past your front window that really grates on your nerves. You wish they would let you trim their nails but pulling on the lead might be making walks stressful and physically tiring for you.
Get focused on just 3 things. Once you focus on the most important struggles, everything else can seem easier.
2. Ditch the routine
We used to think that routine was good for our dogs. But actually predicting what’s about to happen can raise a dog’s excitement or stress level, which can make their behaviours worse. Our dogs are masters of predicting events. So they are aware of what you’re planning to do before you even start doing it.
Do you go to the same parks or walk the same routes most days? Asking local people with dogs often unearths some hidden treasures of new places you can go. It makes it more interesting for you and your dog.
Do you always feed your dog at the same time? Or in the same way? Try a new feeding ‘toy’ like a lick mat, snuffle mat or Kong. Or use an old towel to hide some of their dry food in. Make meal times fun and more interesting and get their brains working.
Do you do the same things when you’re out with your dog? They might love chasing down their ball, but is it helping their behaviour (or their joints)? Learn a new trick or game that you could teach them and make life more fun.
3. Fun dog training takes just a few minutes
Playing a training game can take just 2-3 minutes. You can do this when you get up to make a cup of tea! Or play several games if you’ve got a spare 10 minutes.
Do you need to change your headspace? Do you fall into thinking ‘I must work on this with my dog?’ Can you change that to ‘I get to play some training games with my dog!’ Turn those struggles into opportunities.
Keeping training bursts short means it stays fun and interesting for you and them. Playing with your dog every day is fun part of having them in your life. Why wouldn’t you?
Have a laugh with it, lose your inhibitions. It will probably help to boost your mood as well.
4. Reconnect up with someone
Is there someone you haven’t met up with in a while? During the pandemic it’s been easy to lose touch with people we used to see more often. Why not get in touch and see if they want to meet you for a walk somewhere. Whether they’ve got a dog or not!
Perhaps you used to take your dog to Hoopers or Beginner Agility and that stopped during the pandemic. Is there something you’d like to start up again? Do it now! Find out when your local classes are and get it booked! And go and have some fun with your dog.
5. Try something new
There are lots of things you could try with your dog to make dog training feel like fun for both of you.
Pet trailing and man trailing are great activities to get your dog’s nose working to its full potential. Even if you think your dog doesn’t have a great sense of smell. If they have a nose, they can do trailing.
Even dogs that are nervous or reactive can be catered for with reputable organisations.
Does your dog love water? What about some organised doggy water sports? You could try dock diving or water retrieval? Or even just a trip to the seaside if you don’t live close by to visit regularly.
Doing something together that’s a little out of the ordinary can really boost your relationship with them. You might be surprised at what your dog is capable of. And it can give you a little time out from everyday life.
Useful Links
For more tips and support join us in one of the most friendly communities of dog lovers on Facebook CLICK HERE www.facebook.com/groups/puptalk/
To give you training laser focus, why not try my Training Tracker & Workshop – https://pup-talk.mykajabi.com/pup-talk-training-tracker
Interested in trying pet trailing? Visit https://www.pettrailer.co.uk/
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