Twosday Training Tip

TIP #1: SET UP FOR SUCCESS
If your dog is having trouble learning a behavior there is no need to correct her for getting it wrong. In fact, corrections could stymie her training. Instead, set your dog up for success by reducing the distance, duration, or distractions until she can get it right. Then you can slowly add back in the 3 Ds - one at a time - until the behavior is learned well.

TIP #2: EXPANDING YOUR TRAINING SPACE
When you select a new training space, remember that the change should be gradual. Jumping from the relative quiet of your house to the mayhem of the park will be too much for your dog. If your regular training has always taken place in your kitchen, try moving to the living room. Work through the entire lesson plan in that room, then change locations again. How about the bedroom? The bathroom?

Once you've exhausted the options in your house, take a look at the next most gradual change that you can make. How about your porch? Backyard? Front yard? In front of your neighbor's house?

If you introduce new places thoughtfully, they should be dull enough that your dog can work with a loose leash with his total attention on you.
- excerpted from Beyond The Back Yard 

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