TIPS AND TRICKS
Through out this blog I will post Tips and Tricks, as I think of them. Here is your first posting.
1. Some tricks are easier to learn using verbal commands, while others lend themselves to using hand signs or hand signals. While some can be taught using both.
Remember to use the same verbal cue for a behavior everytime, same goes with using the same hand sign. Sit means Sit, Sit down has an altogether different meaning to your dog.
2. Use a clicker, or a word for a marker. There are various websites explaining the proper use of a clicker.
If using a word, I suggest you pick a word that isn't used a lot around your dog. My marker word is "OK", which I use in a certain tone of voice, very light and happy.
3. Treats: Treats are the mainstay of training any dog. Treats can be food, a toy, or whatever your do goes ape shit about.
Food treats can get expensive. Use your imagination to cut costs. Anything you do feed your dog, be sure to look online or ask your vet if it is safe for your dog to consume.
A few examples I have used and work well for my food motivated dogs are as follows.
- Hotdogs, cut up into tiny pieces.
- Ham, cut up into tiny pieces, and used sparingly.
- Baby Puffs, get in the baby food aisle.
- Baby Food Pouches, get in the baby food aisle.
- Cheese (cheese cubes, shredded cheese, american cheese, cheesewhix.)
- Liver (lucky for me, my dogs don't like it, but other dogs love it.)
- Peanut Butter, in a squeeze tube.
These are just a few examples, use your imagination, you will be surprised by what you can come up with that cuts the costs of buying official training treats.
4. Commands:
Commands should be used in one syllable words. Sit means Sit. Down means Down. Other words can be added to sequence the original trick, example "Lie Down" which for me means down with the dogs head in between front paws, while "Down" means just lie down, head can be anywhere as long as dogs body is on the floor.
Hand signs: Always be sure to say Dog's name first, this gets his attention upon you, then you use the hand sign. Nothing looks more hilarious than an handler using hand signs while the dog is looking elsewhere.
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