LESSON PLAN – WEEK 1
Before you begin the training exercises, read this introduction to dog training:
INTRODUCTION TO DOG TRAINING
Rules to train by To make training a safe, productive experience for you and your dog, keep these tips in mind: 1. Unless an exercise specifically requires that you take the dog offleash, keep your dog on-leash at all times while training. 2. Don’t allow your dog to sniff, pester or play with other dogs before or during training sessions. 3. Don’t feed your dog for at least four hours before training. 4. Before your training practice sessions, give your dog ample opportunity to relieve himself. 5. Take a plastic bag to practice sessions. If your dog defecates, clean it up. 6. Practise with your dog only if he is well rested. Moderate exercise a few hours before training is fine and may actually enhance learning for some high-energy dogs. But if your dog has played all day or has gone for a long hike, chances are that any practise sessions that day will not be effective. 7. Consult this manual before practising. Read and reread instructions. Then go and practise with the dog. Remember to be patient. 8. Practise. Practise. Practise. Dogs learn by repetition. Set aside time each day to train your dog. At the beginner level, a minimum of 30 minutes of practice
per day is usually needed. It’s always better to train for shorter periods, a couple of times a day, especially with younger or inexperienced dogs. 9. Rough or abusive treatment will not serve your training well. If a dog disobeys your commands, there is a better than average chance that the problem is with you, the trainer, not the dog. Rethink what you’re doing, check the training manual to refresh your memory and try again. 10. Your dog should be clean (brushed) and free of fleas. If your dog is troubled by parasites or is experiencing skin or other grooming problems, talk to your veterinarian. Aside from being a health issue, a dog with such problems will have difficulty concentrating on the lessons and training progress will be slow. 11. If you’re training the family pet, one family member should take responsibility for training the dog and for practising the lessons each day. Other family members should become familiar with commands and expectations, but it’s usually easier on the dog to have the same family member act as trainer and take the dog through the course.
7
