July 31st, 2008
By Eric Letendre
We all lead busy lives. A lot of things that we should do get pushed to the side to take care of other activities. Dog training is one of them. If you are a busy person here are some tips on how to add training to your day to day life.
1. A good practical situation is when company comes over. Put a leash on your dog and have him do a down stay as your company comes into the house. Step on the leash as your company comes in to greet you.
2. Another good practical situation is when you are watching TV. You can have your dog practice down stays as you are sitting there. Gradually increase the length of time that your dog does the stay command.
3. When you are working in the yard you can put a long line on your dog. As you are working you can practice calling your dog to you. Call your dog, use the long line and have your dog come to you.
4. When you feed your dog it is a good time to practice sit and down stays. Have your dog do a quick ten to twenty second stay command before being allowed to eat.
5. Mealtime is also a good time to have your dog do sit, down, and stand commands. Before you put the bowl on the floor have your dog perform these commands.
6. Anytime you are giving your dog a treat is a good time to have your dog do a command. Sit, down, stay, walking next to you following the treat are all good commands to practice.
7. Add your dogs training in your day to day activities. When you are too busy to take ten to fifteen minutes to train you won’t have to worry because your dog is staying sharp by making just a few minor changes.