If you want your dog to be fully focused during training and showing, you must be fully focused. It is important to plan your training so that it is organized, smooth and that the dog stays motivated, engaged and attentive throughout the session.
A good training session is focused and energetic from beginning to end. This means that you don’t spend time searching your pockets for treats, moving equipment, or walking from one place to another ignoring your dog. BE PREPARED. Keep treats in your hand or toy in your pocket to be able to reward the dog quickly. Breaking off training with a game of tug gives you a chance to pick up more treats, get ready for a new repetition without any down time. It also allows you to move to a different area for more training. These breaks are called “transitions”.
Transitions enable you to keep the training sessions flowing.
- A transition can keep your dog focused on you as you move from point A to point B.
- A transition can keep your dog engaged during a stretch of time.
- A transition is used to line your dog up for an exercise or skill.
- A transition can be used if something goes wrong and you need to start over.
Some examples of transitions are;
- Tugging and playing with your dog.
- Having your dog walk backwards in front of you to a new spot.
- Having your dog jump to touch your hand.
- Going through your legs to line up.
Whatever you use, your dog will be ready and energized to get back to training. Plan and train your transitions, so that your dog is attentive 100% of the time. If you need get something, talk to a friend or instructor, and can’t do a transition put your dog in his crate or place him on a sit/down stay so you do not have to worry about his focus.
Remember that the transition or combination of transitions should last the entire time from the ending of one exercise/skill to the next starting point or beginning of an exercise or skill. When the transition ends, your dog should be in the position or location to start the new skill. All of that must be accomplished during the transition!
Part 4 coming SOON ~
Here are a few really great “dog” items I use in everyday life and in training. Click on the link or image and it will take you to affiliate Amazon.
DebbyQ’s Picks
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