One of your best dog training tools is your smartphone!
At least a couple of times a week, take video of your session with your dog. If somebody else is around, ask them to do it and be sure to get both you and your dog in the frame. If not, invest in a little tripod and set it up so both of you are visible.
Do it! No one else has to see the recording.
Do it even if you hate being on video. Even if you hate your voice. Even if you’re wearing clothes that aren’t fit for public viewing. Even if you haven’t showered or done your hair yet.
Why?!?
- It’s a great way to keep track of where you’ve been.
- You can see how good (or bad) your timing is when you’re rewarding your dog
- Your dog is adorable.
- You’ll have a way to visualize your progress.
- If your dog isn’t understanding something, you can see where he/she loses interest.
No one has to see it but you. Unless your dog does something hysterically funny, in which case you’ll be happy you have the recording so you can upload it to YouTube and get rich!
Aside from your training log, which we’ve provided for download, your video is a great tool. When you’re in the moment, playing with your dog, there are things you don’t notice even though they happen right in front of you.
Watch your video at least twice
Watch the video at least twice – once concentrating on you, once concentrating on your dog.
Were your cues in the right place? Did you make sure you had your dog’s attention before you told her what you wanted her to do? Was your reward well-timed? Did you tell her “good girl!” often enough?
Especially notice the rewards
The most important feedback you give your dog is the timing and placement of rewards. Were they often enough? Were they in the right place? If you’re rewarding your dog for “down,” the reward should be placed on or between the dog’s front paws. It’s crucial that the dog doesn’t have to sit up to receive the treat!
What can you learn?
There are all kinds of little things you can learn from your video. It could show a stress signal from your dog, like yawning or licking his muzzle, that indicates he’s not sure what he’s supposed to do. If you notice where in the game that’s happening, you’ll know that particular part of the behavior needs extra attention – maybe as simple as more frequent rewards, or going back a step and trying again.
Video is a tool you have right in your hand. Be sure to keep those early ones – you’ll want to look back and see how far you’ve come!