Training Dogs the Lazy Way
by:
Leonard Mutch
Have you ever found it difficult to get
your dog to do as it is told? Well, today
we're going to show you how to train him the
lazy way, and get results every time.
Our first task is to get the dog to pay
attention to us. How many times have you seen
someone shout their dog's name with absolutely
no response?
So, say your dog's name in a moderate voice
without shouting, and if he looks at you say
something like "Good!" as praise and reward
him with a treat. Repeat this a few times, but
cutting out the treat on occasions. We don't
want an overweight pooch who only does things
for food. When this exercise has been repeated
successfully several times we can make it
harder by getting the dog to pay attention for
longer, maybe 15 seconds before praising and
giving a reward. If your dog approaches you in
an effort to see where you are hiding any
treats it's best just to ignore him.
When we've mastered this we can try it in
different locations and with different family
members calling his name and commanding
attention. Just make sure that whoever is in
control gives the praise and treat.
Calling your dog's name and getting a
response quickly and every time is the 1st
stage in getting your dog to do almost
anything, as once you have his attention you
can move onto the next step in your dog's
training. From feeding time to going out for
walks use your dog's name on every occasion,
but remember to be sparing with the treats,
and eventually try to cut them down to a
minimum as a special reward.
