Keeping Training Interesting

Q: We’ve recently graduated from a basic obedience course and are wondering: Are there any additional skills/challenges we can work on during over the holidays before we join Intermediate Obedience? We want to keep it (training) fresh, interesting and fun for Tucker (and us)!

A: Thanks for your question! To keep training fun and interesting, try introducing "motivators" into your training routine. Pick something that Tucker really likes and find ways to incorporate it when you train.

For example, if Tucker loves to play ball, begin training as usual; after a few commands "surprise" him with a ball you have hidden in your pocket as a reward. Use the ball as a reward between commands, getting him really, really excited by playing with him and using lots of voice motivation. Then (this is the important part), take the ball away WHILE HE IS STILL REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT. Continue training as usual. You will soon see Tucker really get excited about his training sessions since he knows there will soon be a great reward coming his way.

In addition to making your training sessions fun, make them more challenging by adding additional distractions and time to Tucker's stay commands. Remember to move forward in your training in small steps and use lots of praise to reward the behaviours you want to encourage.