What should a dog training session look like?

All training should be reward based. Giving your dog something they really like - such as food, toys or praise - when they show a particular behaviour means that they're more likely to do it again. Minimise distractions - always start lessons for new tricks in a quiet room in your house away from any distractions. Break training up into short but regular sessions so your dog isn't overwhelmed. Be patient - just like us, dogs all learn at different rates so don't worry if your dog doesn't pick things up straight away. Always end with something your dog knows, so the session finishes positively. Have fun - training is a great way for you to bond with your dog.

A session that ends with both of you happy is a successful session. Find a place to train where you and your puppy/dog can be alone. Spectators, such as other members of the family are only allowed if they promise to sit down and be quiet. Get your treats ready. Pick a few obedience positions to work on before you begin. Help your puppy/dog choose the position you want, by luring or by limiting his/her choices, and reward him/her when he/she gets it right. A good training session has a beginning, middle and an end. Begin with a few exercises your puppy/dog already knows, so you can reward and give a treat straight away. Then spend a few minutes on a new exercise or improving an old one. End the session on a success; go back to an easy obedience position if you need to – then give a big reward and let your dog know the session is over. Following a training session with play, a meal or a walk is a positive way to end the session. The whole session may only last less than 5 minutes – do not keep going so long that your puppy/dog looses interest in the training.

Keep Your Training Sessions Short, for most dogs, short bursts of training are far more suitable. Five minutes per session is more than enough. Anything longer, and you risk having your dog become bored or frustrated. If you keep things fun and stop before your dog loses interest, it will help build enthusiasm for future training sessions. Spread Training Throughout the Day, short training sessions are far easier to fit in during the day. Every time you interact with your dog, you have an opportunity to train, even if it’s as simple as practicing “sit” before you let them outside to go to the bathroom. Before you know it, a few minutes here and there will add up to far more time than that hoped-for hour-long session. At the very least, have your dog perform a desired behavior before you give them their bowl. Any time your dog wants something, consider taking a moment to train. Rather than handing over the good stuff for nothing, work on a few behaviors first.