It’s a sinking feeling when you’re watching your dog training student get out of the car and get dragged across the street to class by her dog. Especially when it’s the last class session.
Not one to hold back, we asked Cheryl if she’d been practicing her Pattern Walking, and how the dog, Katy, was doing with it.
Imagine our surprise when Cheryl told us that Katy was really good at it.
Next question: “Why aren’t you using it?”
Answer: “I didn’t think of it.”
Knowing and doing
Almost every training game we teach has a practical purpose. Which we explain along with the mechanics of the game.
None of it does any good if you don’t use it. One of the subtler goals of 2-Minute Training is for you to get in the habit of training. Just a couple of minutes, whenever you have them. Treat containers in every room. Talking to your dog, expecting them to listen and be happy to play with you.
None of it works if you don’t use it
Raise your expectations
Your dog already loves playing with you. They love those couple minutes of attention. And they’re probably using what they know, if you expect them to.
It’s all about building good habits as a dog owner. When it’s time to go for a walk, expect your dog to come and sit for their collar and leash. Until they do, nobody’s going anywhere.
You don’t chase them around the house. You tell them what you’re doing. “Wanna go out? Good! Sit! Good! Collar!” And hold it open, ready for them to extend their neck and hold still. If you enforce the rules every single time, your dog will abide by them, every single time.
Stick to routines
Cheryl’s going to establish a routine for getting out of the car. Katy must wait for her release word to get out of the car. She has to wait for permission to go. And she has to walk politely as she’s been taught. Not pull like a tractor.
It’s totally Cheryl’s fault. If she doesn’t expect her dog to behave politely, and teach her what that means, she deserves what she gets. None of it works if you don’t use it.
Training games are designed to be fun. You’re supposed to have a good time interacting with your dog. But it’s up to you to use the games to make life with your dog easier for both of you.