Training dogs through play and obedience is an effective and enjoyable way to build a strong bond between you and your pet while teaching them essential skills. Here are some ways that we do it with great  effectiveness:

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1.  We use Positive Reinforcement.  Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or play. This encourages them to repeat the desired behavior. When your dog listens to a command or performs a desired action during play, reward them promptly with treats or enthusiastic praise.

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2. We Incorporate Play into Training Sessions.  Dogs are instinctually programed to play, so incorporating play into training sessions can make learning more enjoyable and satisfying for them. We use their favorite toys or games as rewards during training exercises. For example, we can use a game of fetch as a reward for successfully following a command.

 

3. Using Toys for Obedience Training. Toys can be valuable tools for obedience training. For example, you can use a tug toy to teach your dog the "drop it" or "leave it" command. This is a great way to teach impulse control and address issues such as resource guarding.

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5. Teaching Basic Commands through Food Play.  Many basic obedience commands can be taught through play. For example, you can teach your dog to sit by luring and then having your dog chase food.

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6.  Marker System.  We will teach a system utilizing markers. Training takes time and patience, so be consistent with your commands and expectations. Using the same cues and rewards each time while you train will help your dog learn quickly.

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7. Make Training a Part of Daily Life:  Look for opportunities to reinforce obedience training throughout the day. For example, ask your dog to sit before mealtime or before going for a walk. This helps reinforce their training and encourages good behavior in various situations.

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Obedience training establishes a foundation of good behavior and enhances communication between you and your dog.

 

Benefits:

1. Behavioral Control:   Obedience training instills discipline and control, helping to manage your dog's behavior in various situations.

2. Safety:  Dogs trained in obedience are less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors such as running into traffic or jumping on strangers.

3. Socialization: Training sessions often involve interaction with other dogs and people, promoting socialization and reducing fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations.

4. Bonding Opportunity:  Training sessions provide quality time for you and your dog to bond and strengthen your relationship.

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Outcomes:

1. Responsive Behavior: Your dog will learn to respond promptly to commands, making daily interactions smoother and more enjoyable.

2. Confidence: As your dog masters commands, they will become more confident and secure in various environments.

3. Enhanced Safety: Obedience training can prevent potentially dangerous situations by ensuring your dog listens and obeys commands, even in distracting environments.

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