LEARNING FOR LIFE

Training starts the day your dog comes home – whether that is 8 weeks, 8 months or 8 years. Training occurs at every interaction with your dog and this is used to teach and reinforce the behaviours and skills that you want your dog to develop. Training should be as much fun as playing so keep the sessions short and interesting

Many people think that when dogs have been toilet trained, learnt to sit, stay and walk on the lead that training is over. As long as the dog is physically and mentally capable, he can continue to learn new skills and tricks for the rest of his life. In fact, you SHOULD teach an old dog new tricks. Learning stimulates the brain and mental functions – as they say “use it or lose it”.

Learning is also tiring and mental activity can be more tiring than physical activity. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog. A dog that has received his daily physical and mental stimulation is less likely to go looking for his own fun.