Before you begin to train, consider exactly what you want to train.
What do you want to accomplish?
For example if you’re training your dog to sit, consider the following questions:
- How will you cue the command? Will you give your dog a verbal or physical cue or both?
- How long should your dog sit? Should he just sit and then stand up, or should he remain in the sit until given a release word?
- What does sit mean to you?
- Do you want the dog to sit in front of you? Or just to sit where he is, no matter where you are, or what you are doing?
- What will you do if your dog sits slowly or not at all?
All these questions are important, because you need to be able to be pro-active in your training. Being able to respond quickly and be prepared for what might happen, will give you the upper hand with your training and help you become consistent with your cues and criteria.