Have your been practising fixing your lead from our previous training tip?
Good. The next stage is to teach your dog what you want him to do.
Today’s training tip no 7: Reward good position
Here’s how:
Fix that lead. Using your free hand (the one closest to your dog), encourage your dog into position by your side, praise him well and give him a treat by your leg. Throw a treat away from you then encourage him back to your side again. Repeat until your dog is happily coming back to your side each time.
Then throw a treat away from you, step away sideways and encourage him back to your side again, praise and reward. Keep it FUN – happy voice!
Once your dog moves quickly and happily to your side each time, try to fool him by taking 1-2 steps away from him in any direction (backwards, sideways or forwards). Celebrate him finding your side again with great praise and a treat.
Practise this inside the house in various places. Take it outside (garden, quiet areas) once your pooch understands what you want.
Do 2-5 repeats each time. Break up your practice sessions with toy play.
When out walking with your pooch, play this game every 20-30 yards or so.
Keep training,
Carol