The end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 is just around the corner. Just like any end and beginning, it gives us the chance to reflect on how the year went and to explore ways to improve the next one. When it comes to my New Year’s Resolutions with Ralph & Luna, I want to enjoy more quality time with them (snuggling, playing, hiking, etc.) and work on their individual training.
Luna has committed to her “I’m the Queen Bee” attitude lately and her cooperation level during photo shoots has drastically declined. There’s a lot of “Are we done yet?”. I hate to break it to her, but girlfriend has got to work for a living. Her endless supply of dog treats doesn’t come from her sitting around licking her butt. It’s from all that model behavior! And that’s just one of the reason why it’s back to the basics we go for 2018.
Solid basic commands and having two well trained pups is essential to many of our other big New Year plans. With our move to Colorado in 2017, we are hoping to explore as much of our new surrounding in 2018. Good and regular training with Ralph & Luna is absolutely necessary for successful camping and hiking trips and even regular long distance travel with the dogs.
Affiliate links are used in this post and I may receive a commission if you click and/or purchase from the link to help support this blog. Do not worry, these links do not affect the price of products.
For our training sessions, we’ll be using treats that are attention getters but are also low in calories. Our current go to are the Organic Chicken and Duck Training Treats from Full Moon. Guess what? Full Moon is also the sponsor of Day #12 of the 2017 Stocking Stuffer Giveaways! That means you have a shot of winning your dog some delicious training treats to get into tip top training shape for the New Year. Keep on reading to find out how and pick up some training tips along the way.
5 Dog Training Tips for the New Year
Revisit the Classics
In order to train for new tricks, you often have to build on top of some basics. Before teaching roll over, your dog should know how to lay down and stay. Brushing up on the regulars (sit, down, stay, etc.) will also help boost your pup’s confidence and may help with various types of anxieties. If you start to notice that your dog may have a bit more selective hearing than normal, then it may be time for reminder!
Break Down New Tricks
Pick out a maximum of 1-2 new tricks to teach at a time. Too many will definitely result in confusion – probably for both you and your dog! Once you’ve decided on the new tricks, break them down into smaller more manageable pieces that you can tackle. This helps guide your dog toward the final result that you are expecting. Don’t expect for your dog to get it right away. It could take anywhere from a few hours to even a few weeks depending on the trick, your dog, your training, and how regularly you practice.
Use Quality Training Treats
I always say that a quality training treat should be smelly, tasty, attention getting, low calorie, and if it can be broken into smaller pieces, even better! Currently, we are training with the Organic Chicken Training Treats from Full Moon, but we have also had great success with the Duck recipe as well! These treats are meaty, so they are moist and smell a bit which is helpful in getting a stubborn dog’s attention. Out of the bag, each treat is only 2.25 calories, which is great for repetitive rewarding during a training session. Since they are soft, they can also be broken down into even smaller pieces.
Keep Sessions Short
There’s nothing worse than taking a great training session and making it go too long. A session that goes too long can result in you and your dog getting frustrated. This also leads to miscommunication, which then leads to more frustration. Set a time limit on your session before you even start and if you find your self getting even the teensiest bit grumpy move on to the next step (see below).
End on a Positive Note
Even if you’re having an off day or if your dog just doesn’t seem to get it, end things positively so that you BOTH will want to come back. Go back to a trick your dog knows really well or even just running through basics like sit, down, and stay. Go ahead, reward your dog, and celebrate because they are the best dog ever and nailed whatever simple task you asked them to do.
About Full Moon
Full Moon creates kitchen-crafted natural dog treats. The treats they produce allow human-grade, USA made dog treats to be accessible to the average pet parent. Available in stores like Target and online at Amazon, you can find a treat your dog will be sure to love. Made only with USDA approved meats, Full Moon only works with trusted and local farms.
All treats (including their jerky treat options) are made in small batches right here in the USA. Not only are the ingredients human grade, the recipes also avoid flavor enhancers and other additives. Full Moon really is striving to make the highest quality dog treats.
If you want to learn more about Full Moon, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Don’t forget to check out the Full Moon website for the latest on their natural dog treats.
TWO lucky Beagles & Bargains readers will receive a Full Moon Training Treats!
Residents of the United States are eligible to enter via the Rafflecopter below. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Friday, December 23, 2017. Winners will be notified via email within 48 hours of the giveaway closing and will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize.
Two (2) winners will receive one (1) 6 oz bag of Full Moon Organic Chicken Training Treats and one (1) 5 oz bag of Full Moon Cage-Free Duck Training Treats. Approximate retail value is $13.98.
Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Guide!
And don’t miss any of the 14 Stocking Stuffer Giveaways!
How often do you work on training with your dog? What do they need a refresher in? What would you like them to learn?
Disclaimer: Full Moon provided product free to review. I am being compensated to help spread the word about Full Moon. I received no other compensation or additional benefits for mentioning the brands or products in this post. The opinions and ideas in this post are my own and are uninfluenced by any other person or business. Full Moon is responsible for all giveaway prizes including shipping.
Affiliate links are used in this post and I may receive a commission if you click and/or purchase from the link to help support this blog. Do not worry, these links do not affect the price of products.
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