February is Dog Training Education Month, making it the perfect time to stop and think about simple ways training can improve life for both you and your pet!
Let’s start with the basics, potty training. With a busy schedule it can be easy to forget the last time you let your furry companion out to do his business. Potty training bells can be a simple solution to this problem because your dog will ring the bell when he needs to go out. This will clear up communication between you and your pet, helping eliminate unhappy accidents.
One of the most important parts of any training session is the reward! While a positive word and a quick pat may be all the reward your dog expects, having some delicious treats with you for when he does an extra good job will be sure to get his attention. Using treats with clicker training can create another positive queue to get your pet’s attention.
Never used a clicker? The idea is pretty simple, in the beginning, you offer your pet one of his favorite treats every time you make the clicker sound. It will not take long for your furry friend to create a positive association between the sound of the clicker and the reward of getting a tasty treat. Over time you can reduce or eliminate the treat from the equation but the positive association with the clicker will remain.
Is your spirited dog a puller? Both small and large dogs often get excited when it’s time to go on an adventure, from going out in the backyard to a trip to the park. Having a pet who is a strong puller can add a lot of unneeded stress to your experience, worrying about your pet’s safety as well as your own. While there are a lot of terrific walking solutions that can help hold back a strong puller, the Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Harness is a great choice. The first thing to do is to fit the harness on your pet nice and snug so that it doesn’t shift around when you start your adventure. Don’t worry, the front padding keeps things comfortable for your pet. Once the harness is properly fitted, connect the leash to the ring on the front of the harness. This front connection guides him by the chest strap and naturally redirects his attention without causing any strain on his neck. This not only improves the experience for you but for your pet as well.
Limited closure nylon training collars can be a great alternative to traditional chain training collars. A variety of options are available to provide a gentle reminder when your pet starts to pull. The Adjustable Check Training Collar™ offers nylon for a gentle touch paired with a chain element that offers an audible que your pet will also pick up on. The No! Slip®Martingale Adjustable collar provides the same gentle reminder. Both are available with a buckle for convenience.
No matter what tools you use to train your pet the most important thing is to stay safe and have fun! Always do your best to keep training a positive experience and remember that all the hard work will make both of your lives easier. It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.