Dog Training Goals

You may have a long list of your dog's behaviors you want to change. Unfortunately, whenever you try to change everything at once, oftentimes you end up changing nothing. 

Prioritize the behaviors you want your dog to change. Break down and categorize the list. You can prioritize based on the annoyance or nuisance factor. Easiest to change to most difficult to change. However you choose to organize your list, I strongly encourage you to prioritize safety.

Know which behavior is at the top of your list? Fantastic. Now what? Dedicate a few minutes a day to work on these skills throughout the week to lay a strong foundation. Here's how to fit training into your everyday life. 

For example, working on attention with distractions? Start with asking for attention in your home with minimal distractions. Your dog's mealtimes are a great time for this training. Next, start to add distractions inside your home. Call your dog away from the window, dining room, or kitchen. Have someone wrinkle a treat bag or squeak a toy right before you call your dog. Practice outside around mild distractions, working up to SQUIRREL! 

Please remember, changing your dog's behavior doesn't mean you're going to do things perfectly every day. That doesn't mean your dog won't award you the Best Advocate Ever ribbon. Just like dogs, we're all doing the best we can. Don't be your own bully. Take training breaks and remember to have fun with your dogs. Rent a sniff spot. Organize a playdate with your dog’s besties. Snuggle on the sofa while you stream a show. 

Need bite-sized help getting your dog to pay attention to you around distractions? Sign up for Best Behavior, a self-paced experience training attention with distractions for only $35.00.