The Rhythm Of Dog Training And How To End A Session #119
Nov 5, 2021
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Discover the secrets to successfully concluding dog training sessions. Learn how to establish a clear beginning, middle, and end that helps your dog understand when training is over. Dive into the importance of engagement and why sessions should follow a structured plan. Get insights on practicing new skills without your dog and listening to their feedback. Explore the benefits of varying locations for training and the crucial role of what happens outside the training time!
Establishing a clear transition at the end of a training session promotes a positive relationship between the dog and handler.
A well-thought-out training plan that includes engagement, rewards, and environment is essential to achieving successful outcomes in dog training.
Deep dives
The Importance of Ending Training Sessions
How training sessions conclude is crucial for maintaining a positive relationship between the handler and the dog. Instead of ending sessions abruptly, which can feel like a punishment, it's vital to create a transition that signifies the end while keeping the dog engaged. For instance, transitioning to a different space after the last activity can help establish routines that prevent dogs from becoming overly reliant on constant entertainment. Establishing a rhythm in the dog's daily life ensures they understand when it's time for focused training and when it's time for downtime.
Effective Training Plans Begin with Preparation
Successful dog training hinges on having a well-thought-out plan before the training session begins. Essential elements of the plan include identifying necessary equipment, determining the type of reinforcement, and choosing an appropriate training environment. The podcast emphasizes that without a plan, training outcomes are likely to be disappointing, as intuitive sessions often fail to engage the dog effectively. By following a structured approach and utilizing proven training methods, dog owners can create clarity and confidence in their pet, enhancing the overall training experience.
Engagement and Structure During Training
Engagement is a critical component of a successful training session, and it should begin immediately to create enthusiasm in the dog. The podcast highlights the need for a gradual buildup of intensity in activities, starting with fun engagement before moving into known behaviors, followed by new skills, and finally brushing up on previously learned tasks. For example, using tug games can foster excitement and strengthen the bond between dog and handler, making training a rewarding experience. This structured transition through engagement, skill introduction, and refreshing known behaviors allows trainers to maintain focus and encourage learning effectively.
Have you ever wondered how to end a dog training session so that your dog knows it’s over? We’re looking at the rhythm of training and how a session’s beginning, middle, and end can bring your dog success. Having a clear finish to training time will help you avoid giving your dog a time out and help your dog understand what’s “dog time” and what is not.
In the episode you'll hear:
• How training always starts with a plan. • Why a session begins with engagement. • The structure of a training session and what to include. • About keeping flow in your training time. • Why I practice without my dog for new skills. • How long a training session should be for your dog. • About listening to your dog’s feedback. • How to end a session and the rhythm that helps your dog. • Why we don’t want our dogs initiating the training. • The reason to change locations, even in a small space. • About the importance of what happens outside of training.