Twosday Training Tip

TIP #1: LET EATING DOGS BE
Possessiveness of food bowls, bones, toys, garbage, sleeping locations, etc. is natural dog behavior. To us humans it seems less than polite if our dog snarls when we reach for his food bowl, but it makes perfect sense to the dog.
 
To avoid problems, don’t approach your dog when he is eating or chewing on something particularly good. If you need to take something away from him, offer something better. Toss a couple of tasty treats on the floor away from the contested object and remove it while he eats the treats. If you are new to the dog he may not be willing to share until he knows you better. 

TIP #2: WHAT'S IN A NAME?
In order to train a reliable recall cue, name recognition is essential.

Start by instilling a lightning-fast response from your dog when you say his name. Pair his name with tasty food to create a positive association. You want him to always feel awesome when he hears his name called. Nothing else is required from your dog except a whiplash turn towards you. Your dog's name should mean, "Look immediately at me and wait for further instruction!"

To begin building this positive association, stand close to your dog and say his name, then click with a clicker or say "Yes!" and give him a treat. Repeat this step dozens of times. Practice first in all rooms of the house, then outside in a quiet area, and eventually in locations with more distractions. When your dog immediately looks back at you upon hearing his name, add some distance between you before saying his name. Then take the game outdoors. 
- Whole Dog Journal

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