How to Schedule Play Time Following a Dog Training Session

When training a dog it is important to keep the dog interested and keep the training sessions fun. This is especially important if you are training a puppy. A happy dog is much more eager to learn and easier to train.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Limit training sessions to five to ten minutes at a time. If you want to do more than ten minutes of training a day, schedule several short sessions throughout the day with long breaks in between.

2. Stick to the task at hand when training a dog. Do not mix play and training together. Hold your training session first and then follow it up with play time.

3. End the training session on a positive note. A good time to end training is right after the dog has been successful in a lesson. Praise him for doing it well and end training on a happy tone before switching over to play time.

4. Take the leash off of the dog when it is time for play if you are training the dog leashed. Give a verbal command to the dog so she will know work is over and it is time for play. Something like, "Want to play?" usually works well.

5. Associate training with happy and fun times by ending each session with some of the dog's favorite playtime activities.

Tips & Warnings

• Never hit or strike a dog when training. Not only is this cruelty to animals but it will lead to the dog displaying aggressive behavior towards you and others.