How to Use Everyday Situations to Train Your Dog

As a full-time dog trainer for a over 15 years, I have often heard the phrase: "I've had a very busy week and did not have time to train my dog." I understand, and that's the reason I show dog owners ways to incorporate training into everyday situations such as mealtimes, walking your dog and going through the door with your dog. These are all chances for a quick training session. Here is how to incorporate training throughout the day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience

1. When you are getting ready to feed your dog and your dog is excited and motivated, is a great time to do some obedience. Before you put the bowl down you can get your dog to do a "Sit" or "Down" command.

2. When you place the food bowl on the ground, have your dog do a "Sit/Stay" command before she is allowed to eat. You can practice "Stay" twice a day. At the end of a few weeks your dog will do an excellent "Stay" command.

3. Going out the door is another time when your dog gets excited and motivated. Before letting your dog out the door have him do a "Sit/Stay" or "Down/Stay." You can also teach the "Back Up" command at the door. It is a very useful command for your dog to learn.

4. Most dogs get excited at the sight of their leash. If your dog gets excited when you are holding the leash have your dog do some commands such as "Sit," "Down," "Stay," "Back Up" or "Stand."

5. Look for situations that excite your dog. These are perfect times to do some training with your dog. You don't need treats or force. Just use the situation to get your dog to do the command.

Tips & Warnings

• Train in short, 5-minute sessions.
• Never train when you are stressed or tired.

Resources

• FREE Dog Training Videos: Learn True Dog Training Secrets