Starting Small
Understanding and effectively managing your dog's progression in training involves recognizing the relationship between their skill proficiency and the level of environmental distraction. Begin training in calm, low-distraction settings where your dog can focus entirely on learning basic commands and behaviors without overwhelming stimuli. This foundational stage is crucial for establishing a clear and solid base of obedience and understanding between you and your dog.
Stepping Up to More Distracting Environments
As your dog’s proficiency with basic skills solidifies, gradually introduce more challenging environments. This step-by-step approach ensures that the dog is not set up for failure but is instead prepared to face increasingly distracting settings with confidence. For instance, a dog who has mastered sitting or staying in the quiet of your home is more likely to perform the same command reliably in a park where there are other dogs and people.
Example Training Progression
If your dog can sit on command in an empty room, the next step might be to increase the difficulty in the same room. You can throw a ball or drop a treat to cause distractions. As their proficiency increases in that environment, it’s time to move on to gradually more distracting environments and start the process over again. Practice in your own backyard, then during a walk in a quiet street, and eventually in a busy park. Each successful execution of a command in these progressively challenging scenarios reinforces their training and boosts their confidence.
Benefits of a Graduated Training Approach
By thoughtfully grading the environment and matching it with your dog’s current level of training, you’re setting the stage for both immediate successes and long-term obedience. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the training but also significantly reduces the frustration for both you and your dog, making the training process a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
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Ch 1: Teaching Your Dog The Markers
Please note: Youtube videos may be utilized throughout our training guide as examples and visual aids. While we have curated these links for your benefit, the individual companies and trainers featured in these videos are in no way affiliated with Life Is Golden.
