There is a saying in cycling, winter miles - summer smiles.
The same is true with dog training.
I don't necessarily mean longer walks or getting your dog fitter (though these aren't bad things), but what I mean is set your dog training goals now for where you want to be with your dog when the nicer weather comes around.
Do you want to be able to take your dog into town?
To the beach? On holiday?
Or simply help your reactive dog be calmer when there are otherwise more dogs out for walks in the nice weather.
Depending on how you think, winter with your dogcan either consist of shorter less stimulating walks in the dark that you don't enjoy, or making the most of your walks for you and your dog and coming back feeling like your making real progress.
Here is why I think now is the time to start working on your spring/ summer dog goals.
1 - Things take time.
There are no short cuts or quick fixes. Allowing time to set smaller achievements on the way to you main goal increases your chances of getting there and sets your dog up for success. The more you repeat an action or behaviour, the more likely you are to get that from your dog as and when you want it.
2 - Less busy out and about.
There tends to be at this time of year, in my experience, fewer people and dogs out and about at a given time. This gives us the opportunity to better control our dogs environment and exposure to stimulus. Be it reacting to other dogs, lunging at cars or barki g at runners. When we do come across these things, we have a better chance of working below our dogs thresholds and creating a positive experience.
3 - Opportunity to try new places.
For example, you may dream of being able to go to a beach for a dog walk, or even just for chips along the sea front. But these places can be extremely busy in the summer which could be daunting for you or your dog. Instead, a winter trip to the sea side isa great opportunity to set your dog up for future trips whilst it is quieter and less stimulating for them.
4 - Making the most of dark cold walks.
Winter can be a frustrating time. Dogs can find the get less exercise. Shorter days can mean less time off lead. Less recall training. Less drained energy. If its raining we might cut our walks short, leaving our dogs less satisfied. By adding meaningfull training into even short walks, we are maximising our time to bond, learn and mentally stimulate our dogs.
So, what ever your dog training goals for summer 2023, there is no better time to start than now!
If you are looking for a dog trainer to help you train your new puppy, work on a particular issue your dog has or want to work towards new dog training goals, contact me using the contact form or email me to arrange a consultation.
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