Take your time and be patient. Learning is a journey for both you and your dog, so there's no need to rush. Focus on one task at a time and break it down into manageable steps. Once you've mastered one skill, move on to the next. It's similar to adding new variables in lessons – gradual progress leads to success. Practice consistently to build muscle memory, both for yourself and your furry friend.

 Remember, dogs need timely feedback to understand what they're being praised or corrected for. Just like humans, they benefit from immediate feedback to learn and improve. So, whether you're praising or correcting your dog, you have 1.3 seconds of their behavior for them to understand and connect the behavior to the praise! 

It's also essential to recognize and reward good behavior promptly. When your dog exhibits positive actions, such as sitting without being asked, praise them immediately. This technique, known as 'free shaping,' encourages the repetition of desired behaviors.

It's important to address bad behavior as soon as it starts rather than waiting until it's already underway. For instance, if you catch your dog about to jump on the counter, correct them the moment their paws touch it. You can use a leash or e-collar to reinforce your command if needed. If you yell at them after the behavior, they don't understand what they are being diciplined for as the moment has passed.

Set your dog up for success 

Timing Is Everything!

Examples of Marker Words: Yes, Yup, No, or uh-uh. Marker words are used to MARK a behavior quickly (this is what the clicker can be used for!). Give an excited "Yes!" when they do what was asked. Use "NO/Uh-uh" when they do not. Pair "No" with leash tension (either tension or a pop, depending on the command. Pop for directing a Heel. upward tension for commanding a Sit).

Examples of Commands: Come, Sit, Place, Heel, Down, Off.  Commands should be said with an even tone and don’t end with a question – “Come” not “Come?”

When giving commands like "Come", use a firm and even tone to convey authority and clarity. Avoid playful or yelling tones, as they may confuse or cause anxiety in your dog. Remember, consistency is key for effective communication and obedience training.

Try not to repeat your dog's name over and over. When you talk to someone, you usually don’t say their name before repeating your request. “Karen, clean your room. Karen, clean your room. Karen, clean your room.”

For example: Charlie ! (dog looks at you) “Yes!” (as they look at you and come towards you) Reward! (treat/affection/play) What a good boy/girl!

Your dog's name should always be positive! When you call them in a happy voice and they look at you praise them! Back up and make it more fun! The more you reward wanted behavior, the more likely they are to offer it to you.

Things to keep in mind as your working with your dog

Training Tips From Karen

Is it gonna take some patience? Absolutely. Sometimes you'll have to do it without eye contact at first. When that happens, gently tug on the leash while you enthusiastically say "BREAK!" in a fun voice, and step back, pulling them out of their command. Sooner or later, they'll start locking eyes with you. Yep, some dogs might take a bit longer, but keep at it!

Here's the deal – when you want to signal "Break!" to your dog, make sure they're locking eyes with you. At first, it might just be a quick glance, so be ready to say "Break!" right away! They'll catch on, trust me. And whatever you do, don't stoop down, call their name repeatedly, or make strange noises with your mouth. Let them look to you naturally, no pressure.

Finally – BREAK! Break is a word we use to release the dog from the command we have put them in. If you went to work all week and never got paid, you would not be very excited to do that job. Doing something for others without receiving recognition, appreciation, or approval doesn't exactly motivate us to keep going, does it? "Break" is your dog's paycheck! It’s your approval, validation, and reward for a job well done! If you don't reward your dog and have fun during training, they're less likely to enjoy it. Remember, training is about your dog, so relax and have a blast when you enthusiastically say "BREAK!" Just ensure they're looking you in the eyes – quick glances don't count!

Just as you're working to grasp and apply these guidelines, your dog is also navigating the learning process! While you understand our instructions clearly, your dog may find them confusing. Consistency is key for both of you to progress effectively. If you maintain consistency in your training, your dog will learn to do the same! Each time you let your dog ignore a command, you unintentionally reinforce the idea that they don't have to listen every time. Your dedication to consistency over the coming weeks and months will greatly influence your dog's obedience and long term success.

Keep This In Mind