Starting Shep's Training

Before we start the next steps of Shep’s training there are a few important things to mention. First is your training area. At the outset we want to always set our student up to succeed so we want our training environment to be as free of distractions as possible. You can’t train your dog if his attention is being diverted to other pets, family members, tv’s, cell phones etc. In a perfect world you would train in an empty gymnasium or tennis court until the student caught on to the basics. I appreciate that’s not very realistic but I’m sure you get the point. When we start it’s easier for our student if we can use an area with which he is familiar such as an open area in the kitchen or on the patio.  Because we use food for lures and rewards it’s a good idea to train in the morning with our dog being somewhat hungry so he has maximum enthusiasm for the motivation.

At this next stage I will be working off leash so the equipment comment won’t apply but if you are in an area where you feel compelled to have a light leash on the dog just so he won’t leave the training area, make sure all equipment is appropriate and fits properly. We don’t want the schooling concentration to be sidetracked by an equipment malfunction . A la Miss Jackson.

Finally, before you start, have a clear idea of what you are going to teach and what are your expectations of performance. It’s pretty hard for Buddy to get it right if you haven’t sorted that out for yourself.

Okay, lighten up, make this a pleasant enthusiastic experience so Buddy will look forward to the learning process. Have a plan. Follow and stick to that specific plan and aim for short positive sessions. If you can maintain his attention for ten minutes and he’s still working with happy enthusiasm, STOP, quit while you’re  ahead so he will look forward to the next session. Remember how happy and excited he is when it’s time to go for a walk. Well this is how you want him to feel about the training sessions. Besides, this is supposed to be fun for both of you.