Michael Baugh CDBC
Taking a long break from training your dog won’t set you back. A lot of us take summer vacations, with or without our dogs. It’s no big deal.
Once we are all back, though, I recommend resuming work with your dog. You’ll do fine and I’m here to help.
Start back easy. I mean, easy for your dog and easy for you. Do one or two five-minute training sessions the first couple of days after your return. Increase the number of sessions as you get into the swing of things. Begin with some well-practiced tasks and add in the more challenging ones as you go. If your dog has done hand targeting or mat training, this is a great place to start.
Weave training back into your everyday life. Try some single-rep sessions, a sit here, a coming-when-called there.
End training sessions with fun. I like to play tug or retrieve with my dog. You can also give your dog a chew toy or food-dispensing toy after a short round of human and dog learning.
Get back into your daily routines. If you took walks with your dog, start those again. Resume all the old familiar patterns, feeding times, play time, evenings cuddling on the sofa — whatever you and your dog normally enjoy together.
Dogs are resilient and have exceptional memories, particularly for learned behaviors. You’re in good shape. Keep going.
The end of summer is a great time for us to pick up our work together (back to school for everyone, including our dogs). I’m here to help and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Michael Baugh teaches live online dog training. He also specialized in aggressive dog training in Houston and Sedona, AZ.