Duration first, then add the distance Let's start at the very beginning Intensity is so much fun...when we understand that it will change
Using a "ready?" cue can be helpful, especially when beginning your training. For example, if your dog's focus is elsewhere when you start off in a "heel", you'll always be starting off the "heel" exercise with a correction instead of cooperation. The dog's name can also be used, but I've found that owners tend to drastically overuse their dog's name...so much so that it has little attention-getting value. Don't ask your dog to be comfortable staying in a "down" when you're 30 feet away, until you've built up a long "down" while you're close by. First and foremost, you need to be close enough when beginning to correct any break in the desired behavior. Making sure your dog understands what you want is only fair. Keep it fun and games, and start when your pup is young. You'll be building the behaviors you want to put on cue as your pup progresses. Everything you do with him now will turn into "commands" later. Don't think of training as "you must obey me". Try to think, "how great a game is this!", and you'll set your pup up for a confident, reliable reaction later. At a young age, your pup looks at you with that "what do you want me to next" look that is so endearing. But remember that the teen yrs are coming. Remember when you rebelled? Get ready for your dog to go through stages, and be ready to transition and train through those "teen" years when you aren't always the center of his universe.
Using a "ready?" cue can be helpful, especially when beginning your training. For example, if your dog's focus is elsewhere when you start off in a "heel", you'll always be starting off the "heel" exercise with a correction instead of cooperation. The dog's name can also be used, but I've found that owners tend to drastically overuse their dog's name...so much so that it has little attention-getting value.
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