It's Christmas Time to TRAIN!

It is that time of year again.  We are hustling and bustling to get ready for our holiday celebrations, but this doesn't mean training our dog should fall to the wayside.  In fact, just the opposite.  Now is the perfect time to get in a little extra training.  Better to be proactive and teach our dog what to do as the decorations come out and the tree goes up , rather than waiting for him to dive bomb the pretty shiny paper as you are trying to wrap gifts.

Now don't panic, we are NOT talking about hours and hours of training.  Just a couple of 2-3 minute training sessions, rewarding him for the behaviors you want, should be enough for him to learn some holiday manners.


Example 1 - STAY while wrapping.  In the video below, I am teaching Olive that good things (treats) happen if she STAYS while I wrap.  Please note the following:

1.  Start out simple.   For the training session I am only using one roll of paper and one gift.
2.  Minimize other distractions.  We are in a quiet room where I can pay attention to her and she can concentrate on me.
3.  Stay calm physically and vocally.  If you get excited, your dog will get excited and most likely break the STAY.
4.  Get your dog in position before you pull out your wrapping supplies.  If your dog breaks the STAY - STOP what you are doing and immediately get them back into position.
5.  Treat, treat, treat.  This is a 'training session' so be sure to reward your dog frequently so he understands STAYING at your side is more fun than grabbing that bag of bows.

Example 2 - Unloading the oven.  In the video below, I am teaching Theo to WAIT about 5 foot away while I unload the oven.  Please note:

1.  The oven is not on.  We are just trying to get our dogs used to WAITING while we pick up pot holders, open the oven and move food to the counter.  No need for a hot oven.
2,  Get your dog in position and WAITING before you move toward the oven.
2.  Again, stay calm and keep your attention on the dog.  Notice I hardly take my eyes off Theo.
3.  If he breaks the WAIT, stop what you are doing and immediately get him back into position.
4.  I had a piece of turkey breast on the cookie sheet to add a little distraction.
5.  After I have unloaded the oven, I reward Theo for WAITING and them move him away from the area.  This way he learns good things will happen if he waits and after the oven is unload the best place to be is with me and not rushing to the counter to check out the food.

These are just two examples of holiday training but there are plenty more.  Teaching your dog to PLACE while the kids open their gifts or while you decorate the tree.  Teaching your dogs to sit calmly at your side while everyone gathers around the piano to sing carols.  You get the idea.  Better to teach your dog how to behave now so that he doesn't spend the holiday in the dog house!

Happy training.

All content © Personable Pets Dog Training

Sharon Woodrum, CPDT-KA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Personable Pets Dog Training

http://www.personablepets.com/

Providing Dog Training Services for Overland Park and Louisburg, Kansas areas including: Stilwell, Lenexa, Olathe, Paola, Bucyrus, Leawood, Shawnee, Osawatomie and Spring Hill.

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