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