Part two
ARMCHAIR TRAINING
At this time of year, an armchair by the fire may seem more inviting than a trip outdoors! And there are alternatives when it comes to your dog’s training, as Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush explain.
“...mark the precise action you’d like him to repeat, so he’s less likely to be confused...”
There are plenty of things you can teach your dog from your sofa such as a high five.
There is no need to feel guilty if both you and your dog would prefer to stay indoors. That cosy armchair can actually be the perfect place from which to brush up on training and maybe add a few new skills to your dog’s repertoire.
Following on from last month, here are some more ideas for you to try!
TOP TIPS!
Keep sessions short and sweet; repeat frequently with lots of breaks in between rather than having one long session.
Have a treat pouch or pot close to hand, containing a selection of tasty treats that are quick and easy to eat.
Mark the action! Using a clicker, verbal word, or click of your tongue can be a good way of letting your dog know when he’s done the right thing. It lets you mark the precise action you’d like him to repeat, so he’s less likely to be confused about what he’s being rewarded for. Follow it up with the expected treat, plus plenty of praise.
TOUCH!
Target stick training is fun, easy to teach, and gives you a longer reach when training from your chair so you can work at a short distance from your dog. The idea is that you teach your dog to touch the end of the target stick with his nose first, and then to follow it as you move it. Extending, telescopic target sticks are ideal as you can adjust the length, but if you don’t have one, improvise with a piece of dowel or a wooden spoon.