CLUB PET & NATURES PET
TREAT REWARDS TRAINING TIPS
HINT: Treats as rewards work best for training if your dog has not been fed.
If your dog has just been fed, he/she may not respond to the treat.
Remember when giving commands to be consistent as this will help the dog to
remember what is expected of him/her.
Patience will also help the dog to be calm while learning.
Try to keep lessons short or your dog may get bored and not respond.
The two more important commands to learn are “SIT” and “COME” commands.
The ‘SIT’ command teaches the dog not to jump up on people and
helps teach some manners and maintain control. E.g. when sitting, it is like
asking for food not just jumping up and taking it.
The “COME” command is useful for control when in public and when
off the leash will help make a very enjoyable walk.
With these two basic commands learnt you can start to enjoy your pet.
TEACHING THE “SIT” COMMAND
To teach the “SIT” command, show a piece of Liver Snaps Treat Reward to your dog and then hold the treat just above the dog’s head
so the dog lifts his head and leans his head backwards. At the same time use
the “SIT” command. If a treat is not handy, you may hold the dog’s
head under the chin and gently hold it up and slightly backwards. Once the
dog is in the right position, reward him/her with the Treat Reward, a pat and
by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
Once the dog responds to the “SIT” command use the Treat Rewards
intermittently. As a Treat Reward may not always be at hand, it is wise to
teach your dog to respond without a treat as well.
Before giving your pets their dinner, it is handy to make them sit first so
as they won’t rush up and jump up on you while you put their food down.
It is also a good idea to train your dog to sit first before you open a door
for him/her.
This is like your pet saying please and using manners.
TEACHING THE “DROP” COMMAND
(to lie down)
First get your dog in the sit position.
Now your dog is sitting, show a piece of Liver Snaps Treat Reward in front
of your dog’s nose and lower your hand to the ground next to your dog’s
front paws. At the same time use the “DROP” (lie down) command.
(using “DROP” is more common in obedience classes)
Once the dog is in the right position, reward him/her with the Liver Snaps
Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
After a while your voice command or the downward sweep of your hand will be
enough for your dog to go into the “DROP” (lie down) position.
TEACHING THE “COME” COMMAND
Offer a Liver Snaps Treat Reward a short distance in front of your dog and
at the same time wave your hand toward your chest and use the “COME” command.
When your dog comes to you, reward him/her with the Treat Reward, a pat and
by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
As the dog responds, you make the distance a bit longer. Repeat 2 or 3 times
daily until the dog has learnt the “COME” command responsively.
TEACHING THE “COME” COMMAND
USING A CLUB PET 6 METRE LONG LEAD
Let the dog go the full extent of the lead. Show your dog a piece of Liver
Snaps Treat Reward then use the “COME” command repeatedly and at
the same time pull the lead gently until the dog is right in front of you and
reward the dog with the Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
A second person may take the dog to the extent of the lead while the first
person holding the lead calls the dog using the “COME” command
while shortening the length of the lead. When the dog is right in front of
you reward the dog with the Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
Once your dog is responding to the “COME” command, try it without
the lead.
Repeat this 2 or 3 times daily until the dog has learnt the “COME” command
responsively.
As the dog starts to respond to the ‘COME” command, use the Liver
Snaps Treat Reward intermittently so the dog learns to respond without a treat as a Treat Reward may not always be on hand.
TEACHING THE “STAY” COMMAND
The “STAY” command is a more difficult command to learn and is
best taught when your dog is calm, not in a playful mood and free from distractions.
First get your dog in the “SIT” position. Make eye contact and
with the open palm of your hand open in front of your dogs face, fingers up
as if to say stop, use a firm deep voice and say “STAY”. Wait a
second and while still in the sitting position reward your dog with a piece
of Liver Snaps Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
Repeat this a few times and when your dog is responding to the “STAY” command,
take a step away from the dog. While still in the sitting position, return
to your dog and reward him/her with the Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g.
GOOD DOG). Slowly increase the distance.
TEACHING THE “HEEL” COMMAND
(to walk next to you)
Teaching your dog the “HEEL” command will make your walks very
enjoyable.
Have your dog next to you on your left side on a 180cm lead close
to you, preferably not tight or too loose. If not responding on a collar, try
using
a head halter or a correction chain (for long haired dogs you may use a fursaver or nylon
correction collar). Hold the handle and excess slack of leash in your
right hand. The thong should pass across your body to the dog which should
be on your left. You control the leash with your left hand, shortening or lengthening
it when required. Step out with your left foot and give the “HEEL” command.
Look ahead, trot forward (a slow jogging pace) and assume he will stay beside
you. If he/she doesn’t, jerk the leash with your left hand and let the
leash slacken immediately while using the “HEEL” command. Always
jerk the leash in the opposite direction to the way the dog is moving. So if
the dog is moving backwards, jerk forward and if he is moving forward, jerk
backward. Do not let the dog drag or pull forward. The quick jerk is what does
it. When you jerk the lead the
correct way, if using a chain correction collar you should hear the collars
click, go a short distance and halt. When turning
use the “HEEL” command. For a right turn, turn on your right foot
keeping a taut lead.
You may reward your dog when it obeys the “HEEL” command verbally
or with a Treat Reward or tickle under the chin. When you come to a halt, command
your dog to “SIT” at your left heel side.
As your dog is responding, increase the distance.
THE “FETCH & “GIVE” COMMANDS
Some dogs will fetch without training. For others, try using a Club
Pet Toy Dumbell. (A rawhide or nylon bone or similar object may be used.)
To help your dog accept the dumbell, press gently on both sides of his upper
lip. Place
the dumbell between the jaws and at the same time place your other hand under
his chin and stroke his chin in reward. After a few seconds say “GIVE” and
take it from him and replace the dumbell with a piece of Liver Snaps Treat
Reward and praise your dog (e.g. GOOD DOG).
Repeat several times, each time holding the dumbell a little longer.
To fetch, try to start from the “SIT” position. Place the dumbell
in front of the dog’s nose and move the dumbell about 30cm (one foot)
in front of him/her. Say “FETCH” and give a slight tug on the lead
or a gentle push toward the dumbell. If necessary, help the dog pick it up
and then replace the dumbell with a Treat Reward, a pat and praise (e.g. GOOD
DOG).
Repeat a few times, each time placing or tossing the dumbell a little further
away.
As your dog confidently fetches and returns the dumbell, try to finish with
your dog in the “SIT” position while you reward him/her.
SOME FUN TRICKS
Tricks should not be done too many times at once or too often as your dog
may get bored.
TEACHING THE “CRAWL” COMMAND
(Not recommended for old or unwell
dogs)
Get your dog into the “LIE DOWN” position. Hold a piece of Liver
Snaps Treat Reward in your hand on the ground in front of the dog. Slowly bring
your hand towards you on the ground and when the dog follows, reward it with
the Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
SHAKE HANDS
You may have to first lift up your dog’s paw and at the same time shake
it gently and use the “SHAKE” command. Your dog may lift its paw
up by itself and place it in your hand. Then reward your dog with a piece of
Liver Snaps Treat Reward, a pat and by voice (e.g. GOOD DOG).
Repeat 2 or 3 times.
After a while you may be able to put your hand in front of your dog with your
palm up and at the same time use the “SHAKE” command and your dog
may lift its paw up by itself and place it in your hand.
HELPFUL HINTS
Walking your dog regularly every day is not only good exercise but also helps
reduce boredom.
If your dog is left by itself for a period of time, a dog play toy, a rawhide
or chew treat (such as Pork Chews) may also help reduce boredom. Chewing
is also good for your dog’s gums.
If you are training a puppy, try not to make a game of chasing your puppy.
No matter how cute your puppy looks or fun it may be, keep in mind that
it will only be a few months before your puppy has grown and may not respond
as
quickly or as effectively to obedience training.
It can be helpful to every now and again check your puppy or dog’s
ears, teeth, feet and tail so if it has a problem in these areas, it is used
to being
touched there and will help make curing it or a visit to the vet or the
groomer much easier.
If your puppy jumps up on you in excitement (such as when you first get
home after being out) do not pat the puppy while he/she is jumping. Instead
teach
it to sit or stay first, then reward and pat while in the sitting or stay
position or turn your back on him/her until calm, then reward and pat while
all four
feet are on the ground.
If your puppy or dog is doing something wrong you need to discipline it
immediately while it is misbehaving or it won’t understand what it
did wrong. Using your voice, a firm loud deep sharp ahhh! may be enough to
deter or discipline
your dog to understand when it is misbehaving.
If your dog is doing something wrong, such as barking for no reason or
at noises and you don’t want your dog to continue this, do not pat your
dog straight away. (If you do your dog may think you want him/her to bark for
no reason because you are rewarding while misbehaving.) Discipline by voice
or distract the dog and try to get your dog to “COME” and “SIT” or “FETCH”.
While he/she is quiet and obeying, reward and pat him/her for doing something
positive instead.
When approaching a strange dog, remember not all dogs like being patted
on the head by strangers. In most cases the dog will want to sniff your feet
and
around your legs to get to know you. In some cases it is better to ignore
the dog and let the dog approach you in its own time, when it feels comfortable
with you. If the dog is still not receptive, it may be wise to leave it
alone.
When socialising or walking your dog and you are approaching another dog
which growls or doesn’t appear to be friendly or receptive or your own dog
shows these signs, it is wise to have your dog on a lead close to you and veer
a distance around or if you have to, walk past swiftly without stopping. Try
to keep your dog’s head looking forward, saying “COME” to
ignore the other dog. This should avoid any conflict with other dogs and
their owners and keep your time out together enjoyable. To help your dog
socialise,
you might take your dog for a brisk walk with a friend and their dog, as
walking will also help distract the dogs from antisocial behaviour. You could
also
join an obedience club or a dog club.
While out walking, it is handy before crossing a road to get your dog to
sit or stay at the curb. This will give you time to check if the road is
clear
and then tell him/her to “CROSS” when it is safe.
Also when walking, it is important you carry a Poopa Scoopa ® or plastic
bag to pick up any calling cards left by your dog. This helps to ensure you
or other people don’t step in it.
It is wise not to leave young children under the age of 10 alone with a
dog. Some children think it’s a game or fun to prod, poke and pull the dog’s
tails and ears etc without realising the dog is being hurt or annoyed and
the dog may feel it has to defend itself. Therefore it is important that
children
learn not to poke, prod or pull at a dog and instead learn basic obedience
training as this will help to teach them how to appreciate and have fun with
their dog in a sensible manner.
Some dogs do not like being disturbed while they are eating and most dogs,
no matter how well you know them, do not like being disturbed when they are
sleeping. If woken abruptly, such as with a tap or pull of the tail, they
may wake with a fright and nip you. Hence the expression “Let sleeping dogs
lie”. The best way to wake your dog is to call the dog’s name
a few times before approaching it so when you reach the dog, it will be partly
awake and will recognise you.
Make sure your dog is not left in a hot car and has plenty of air and water.
DEALING WITH PET GRIEF
Losing a family pet can be like losing a member of your family and may be
very distressing.
It is always a sad time especially if it is a one pet family. Remember the
good times, as you will always have your memories of your pet.
If you still have a lot of love to give, to help lessen the grieving, you may
consider a new puppy. If you do, please consider a puppy or dog from a welfare
shelter as these pets really do need love and care and you may save a puppy
or dog’s life.
Please note the above tips are only a guide. Your dog may require further
training.
|