Where to Train your Puppy ?

The more places the better, but planning is important.

Most people new to puppy training would tell you that their puppy understands the basic commands pretty well at home. Yet, they are often very frustrated when their pup has no idea what is being asked of it when they take it out into the world. This is very common and can be easily corrected if you take a little time and plan your training sessions.

Your training plan must including different environments and settings. This may seem a little odd as dogs are not the best at generalizing behaviours. For example, Fido will sit and come when asked at home but speaks a different language when you’re at the park, or going for a casual evening walk.

I suggest that you try to find a few different places to practice your basic training. The key is this, if Fido does not listen in new environment, then go back to the basics and practice those same behaviours in that new environment and take it slow. Don’t forget to use high value treats to keep Fido’s focus on you. If there are distractions that are too strong, get better treats or move a little farther away from them.

• Setting #1: The Laundry Room. This room will have the least amount of distractions. There are very few things happening here. This is where you can teach Fido the new behaviours that you want him to learn. As this is a very quiet room, he should have little difficulty focusing on you. This makes training very easy. Stay in this room until Fido can understand what you are asking of him, and obeys your requests with little to no hesitation.

• Setting #2: The Living Room. This room has a few more objects (and distractions) and will require a slightly greater level of focus. As Fido relearns the behaviours you taught in Setting #1, you can ‘graduate’ to this room to increase the distractions.

• Setting #3: The Family Room. This room is especially good for increasing Fido’s indoor obedience as this is where he will be exposed to all sorts of different sights and sounds. Start with the TV turned off. Then when he is ready, turn the TV on, but initially, keep the volume low. Then, as his focus gets better, slowly increase the volume and try different shows to include different types of sounds. Again, practice a lot. Be sure to include shows that are relaxed as well as energized.

• Setting #4: The Backyard. This could be a challenge. There are lots of distractions (squirrels, birds, chipmunks, neighbours, etc). Again, go back to the beginning and start with the basic commands (Look at me, walking on leash, sit, down, come, etc). Keep practicing these over and over until Fido no longer hesitates on any request. If you ask for something and he hesitates, even a little, keep at it. You want these basic commands to be rock solid before taking him out of a fenced in yard. You may even want to ask friends to come and visit in your yard so you can assess his obedience with strangers present. Remember, if he won’t listen in the yard, he’s not going to listen at the park.

• Setting #5: A Nearby Park: This will likely be your greatest training facility. Fido’s focus will really be tested. There are a lot of distractions coming from so many different directions. So, initially find a quiet spot in the park and practice there. Then, as Fido gets better at focusing on you and accepting that there are ‘other things’ present, you can move closer to those ‘other things’. Don’t force him to ignore them. He needs to accept and be comfortable with the presence of those ‘other things’. Sit with him, let him watch those ‘other things’ and then practice a little. Then do it again. Sit with him, watch, and practice. Over and over. Every now and then, move a little closer. Don’t forget to let him play a little with those ‘other things’ when the training is done.

Just remember, have realistic expectations for your new pup.

Happy tails...