Simon Wooler and dog Ripley (Image: Simon Wooler)
Whether it’s growling at the neighbour or chewing your new pair of trainers into a soggy mess, there’s certain things our four-legged friends do that will test even the most patient of owners.
But fear not, as canine trainer Simon Wooler says no dog is ever deliberately “naughty” and that there’s some simple steps to take to keep them on the straight and narrow.
“They just do what works for them, so make sure you’re really clear what you’re asking them to do and make it pay,” he suggests.
Simon says there’s eight key steps to follow to get your pet off the naughty step…
1. Timing is key – they don’t come with our language pre-installed so you have to help them understand. Give your cue, then ‘mark’ the exact moment they get the behaviour right with a ‘good,’ followed by a treat. Be consistent with the words and gestures you use as cues.
2. Train in short bites – training “snacks”, if you like, that fit into your routine. That helps your dog process what they’ve learnt and you don’t get bored.
3. Build up the level of difficulty gradually (for example, get a sit or stay for just a couple of seconds, then extend duration as they get the hang of what you want).
4. Do the reps and train quickly. You want lots of repetitions where you give a cue, get the behaviour and reward. This is what helps make training stick.
5. Up the gourmet stakes with training treats – their usual nibble doesn’t cut it. You want something super motivating. You only need to offer tiny pieces, but keep them coming.
6. If you can’t get a recall, think reps again. Call your dog frequently, in the house as well as outdoors and make it rewarding. Don’t just recall to put them on a lead. And never, ever punish for slow response.
7. Remember that once your dog understands a cue, treats are pay for performance, not bribes or advances. And once they’ve learned a behaviour well, you can run a tab. You don’t have to pay every time.
8. Don’t be all work and no play. Have fun together. Play is important to dogs and helps build the bond between you. If they associate you with fun stuff, they’ll be more attentive because you’re at the heart of a good time.
More Than Just a Dog: Understanding, Loving and Living with Dogs – An Essential Guide for Humans by Simon Wooler is published by Harper Element.
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