Train Your Dog While You Watch TV

We live in a busy, hectic world.  Everyone seems to be coming and going.  Sometimes it may feel like you don't have time to train your dogs.

I have found that my best training sessions with my dogs have been while I was doing something else.  When I'm in the kitchen and I'm waiting for the water to boil, I grab my trusty clicker and some treats and work on behaviors with my dogs.  Short sessions are always best when you train.  Allow your dog to have many successful tries at figuring out what you're asking and then stop.  Put the noodles in the pot and while you are waiting for them to cook, try another session.  You'll be amazed at how much you'll accomplish and how excited your dog will be.

It's also fun to train while you're watching TV.  One of my dogs likes to bark when she hears the doorbell. She even barks when she hears one on TV.  You can use this to your advantage.  When you sit down on the couch, make sure you have a clicker and treats available, but out of the sight of your dogs.  While you're watching and your dog is being quiet, click periodically and give them a treat.  Soon they will pick up on the idea that being quiet in that atmosphere is a good thing.  If your dog is sensitive to sounds like doorbells or door knocks and even barking dogs, be sure to reward anytime they're quiet when it is on the TV.  You can also just have some fun with it too.   If a commercial comes on, ask for a behavior and click/treat.  During the next commercial, ask for something else.  It is a great way to keep your dog's brain stimulated. It is also rewarding to you because it will make commercials go by a lot faster!