Question:
My dog doesn’t seem to be enjoying our training sessions. How can I make dog training fun?
Answer:
If you really think about it, training time is playtime. Training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog. Remember to keep your attitude light-hearted and consider this time together a part of the bonding experience.
If your training sessions are fun as well as instructive, yet your dog still prefers to run off and play on their own, consider the following:
Use treats to train
If the treats are interesting enough, your dog should drop all else and want to come train. Try upping the ante by replacing that dry dog biscuit with something moist and tender. If you are not using food treats to train, consider it! It’s a fast, easy way to teach new skills.
Once your dog understands a particular command and has had plenty of practice with it, you can gradually wean them off treats and reinforce their good behavior with other high-value rewards such as a meal, a walk, or a toss of a favorite toy.
Use positive reinforcement
If your dog enjoys training, they should appear happy at the first indication that a session is about to take place. If your dog perceives training time to be unpleasant, their “playtime” behavior might be a result of stress.
Some dogs respond to fear by “fooling around” as a way to avoid confrontation. And keep in mind that dogs pick up on our emotional states, so if you are feeling tense or angry for any reason, skip the training session that day.
Remove distractions
If you’re attempting to train in the backyard and your dog keeps running off to sniff the flowers or chase birds, there are too many distractions. Begin training indoors in a quiet area. If your dog still wanders off with little or no distractions present, leash your dog and continue training. Just make sure they’re enjoying the session.
Transforming dog training into a fun-filled adventure doesn’t take much, but the rewards you reap are endless. When you ditch the stress and embrace the playful nature of training, you’re not just teaching your furry friend but also establishing an unbreakable bond. So, grab those treats, get that toy, and make learning a tail-wagging good time!
