FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS:
(you'll learn the
answer to all these and other questions in the eBook, but here's a
preview of what you'll learn)
What's the best
age for training my dog?
Usually, the minimum appropriate age is once the dog is 10-12 weeks
old.
Is a dog ever too
old to train?
In our opinion, any dog that is healthy can benefit from training.
However, just like humans, the physical and mental abilities of dogs
can diminish with age and that can impact the effectiveness of the
training. Additionally, the older a dog gets, the more established
the habits become. Consequently, it takes longer to eliminate an old
habit and instill a new one. The oldest dog that we have ever heard
of in obedience training was an eleven year old Dachshund.
Can I use food for
reinforcement?
Use whatever works for your dog. That could be food, a ball or toy,
or just plain petting/praising.
How long should my
training sessions be while I'm training at home?
Limit yourself to two (2) or three (3) sessions per day with each
session being no longer than five (5) to ten (10) minutes in length.
The younger the dog, the shorter the training session should be. For
the best results, train your dog in an area that has few
distractions.
What equipment do
I need to train my dog?
We recommend a six (6) foot leash, either nylon or leather. We don't
recommend flexi or retractable leashes to be used in training.
You'll also need a good collar that's fitted properly (we don't want
the dog slipping the collar), treats or a toy, and water. Make sure
you have an extra dose of patience and a positive attitude.
What if my dog is
sick?
You probably don’t work well when you’re ill and neither does your
dog. Let your dog rest and get better. Then you can pick up things
just where you left them.
Is it better to
train my dog when he’s hungry?
In our opinion, yes. Especially if you’re
using food treats as reinforcement. When you get into tracking you
want the dogs to get their meals on the track