GET PREPARED

There are a few things to consider when you start this programme, and some things you will need.
TRAINING LEAD
These are available from most Pet shops or online. You can use a 30ft or more (9 metres) lead for these exercises. Tie three knots roughly a foot apart in the end that you hold. You can then step on this end of the lead without it slipping or causing rope burns.
Do NOT use a retractable lead for this training.
COMMAND WORD
If you have been using a word that your dog has been ignoring, then now is the time to change it to something new.
‘COME’, ‘HERE’, ‘RETURN’, whatever word you choose, keep it for this exercise only. You could also use a whistle for this instead of a verbal command if you prefer
REWARD
Does your dog respond to food or toys? Decide which reward your dog responds to the most. You will use this as a reward for doing well.
If it is a toy, keep it for training rewards only so it keeps it special. If this is food, make it high value, not just his ordinary kibble. An example of ‘a high value’ reward is: small slivers of cheese, cooked chicken or cooked sausage which are only ever used for this training.
FUN
Be prepared to act daft! The more fun your dog has during training, the more he will want to do it. Use lots of praise, a happy voice and make yourself fun. Never call your dog back to you and just put him on the lead, have a play and make him know that coming back to you is a great thing to do and doesn’t just mean going home.
TRAINING LEAD
These are available from most Pet shops or online. You can use a 30ft or more (9 metres) lead for these exercises. Tie three knots roughly a foot apart in the end that you hold. You can then step on this end of the lead without it slipping or causing rope burns.
Do NOT use a retractable lead for this training.
COMMAND WORD
If you have been using a word that your dog has been ignoring, then now is the time to change it to something new.
‘COME’, ‘HERE’, ‘RETURN’, whatever word you choose, keep it for this exercise only. You could also use a whistle for this instead of a verbal command if you prefer
REWARD
Does your dog respond to food or toys? Decide which reward your dog responds to the most. You will use this as a reward for doing well.
If it is a toy, keep it for training rewards only so it keeps it special. If this is food, make it high value, not just his ordinary kibble. An example of ‘a high value’ reward is: small slivers of cheese, cooked chicken or cooked sausage which are only ever used for this training.
FUN
Be prepared to act daft! The more fun your dog has during training, the more he will want to do it. Use lots of praise, a happy voice and make yourself fun. Never call your dog back to you and just put him on the lead, have a play and make him know that coming back to you is a great thing to do and doesn’t just mean going home.
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