Introducing Marshall LeRoi, the newest addition to my family and Alluvial pet crew. Marshall, a bright-eyed 4-month-old pup rescued from Texas, has already captured my heart with his intelligence and charm. Despite his young age, he's proving to be the smartest puppy I've ever had the pleasure of training.
With Marshall's quick wit and eager-to-learn attitude, our training sessions have become a delightful journey of discovery and growth. As we navigate through the early stages of his training, I've found myself drawing upon the lessons learned from years of raising family dogs.
Training a new or old dog can be both rewarding and challenging, but with the right techniques, you can set your furry friend up for success. Here are my top three training tricks that have made a big difference in my training sessions with Marshall:
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Keep sessions short and frequent: One of the keys to successful dog training is to keep training sessions short and sweet. Aim for 10 to 15-minute sessions, three times a day. Dogs have shorter attention spans, so breaking up training into smaller sessions helps keep them engaged and focused. By keeping sessions short and frequent, your dog is more likely to retain information and progress steadily. With consistency and patience, you'll start to see improvements within a few weeks.
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Use distractions effectively: When it comes to addressing unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, using distractions can be a game-changer. One effective method is using a penny bottle. Fill an empty plastic bottle with a handful of pennies or small coins, and when your dog starts barking excessively, give the bottle a firm shake to create a loud noise. The sudden sound will startle your dog and interrupt their barking, allowing you to redirect their attention to something else. With consistent use, your dog will learn that barking leads to an unwanted noise and will eventually decrease the behavior.
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Practice patience and end on a positive note: Patience is key when it comes to dog training. Remember that learning takes time, and every dog progresses at their own pace. Be patient with your furry friend and avoid getting frustrated if they don't grasp a concept right away. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and praise them for their efforts and progress. End each training session on a positive note, even if it means celebrating small victories. This helps keep training sessions enjoyable for both you and your dog and encourages them to look forward to the next session.
Incorporating these top three training tricks into your training routine can make a world of difference in your dog's behavior and obedience. Remember to stay consistent, patient, and positive throughout the process, and you'll be well on your way to having a well-trained and well-behaved furry companion.
As Marshall continues to grow and thrive, I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside him. I'm excited to see the amazing dog he'll become. Here's to many more adventures and training milestones with Marshall LeRoi.
- Alex Durney (Alluvial Farms Marketing Assistant)