Quick dog training tip - set a timer
Article Source: examiner.com
Article by: Jeff Millman
I always joke that I “think about dog training 36 hours per day.” This is not far off. Whether I am working with my dogs or working with a client, there are frequent times that I will explain something a bit differently than I have in the past, or I will try something just a little bit different and get an “Ah Hah!” moment.
They are not necessarily profound, “Wake the children” ideas, but still might be helpful to you.
I had one of those moments tonight. I try and do a few training sessions throughout the day with my dogs and today was no exception. I planned on training them for a few minutes and then giving them their dinner. I worked with them for bit and then asked them for a “Down Stay” in another room while I loaded the dishwasher from our dinner and then fixed their dinner as well.
I set the timer on the stove for 10 minutes instead of just guessing how long they were in their stay. It is amazing how time seems to go faster than it actually does. If I thought they were staying for 10 minutes without the timer, I probably would have released them after only 5 or 6. The timer kept me on track. 10 minutes is just an arbitrary time, sometimes I will do more or less. I think the longest I have asked them to stay is 30 minutes.
I sometimes also set the timer when I am doing training to keep track of how long the session lasts. I try and do at least 5 minute sessions a few times a day.
I hope this is helpful to you and your pooch.